Metering apparatus for dispensing household, pool, and industrial fluids and methods for making and using same

ABSTRACT

Apparatuses for dispensing household fluids including a handheld device or wand including a pump for dispensing one or more household fluids at a rate and for a time sufficient to dispense a pre-determined or variable amount of the fluids into an appliance, and to methods for making and using same. Apparatuses for dispensing pool chemicals including pool chemical containers, pool chemical sensors, and pumps for introducing pool chemical into pool water on a periodically basis.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

None.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 1. Field of the Disclosure

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to apparatuses fordispensing a household fluid including a handheld device or wand or adispensing unit and a handheld device or wand, and to methods for makingand using same.

In particular, embodiments of the present disclosure relate toapparatuses for dispensing laundry detergent including a handheld deviceor wand including a pump or a dispensing unit including a pump and awand for dispensing a household fluid at a rate and for a timesufficient to dispense a pre-determined or variable amount of the fluidto a household appliance, and to methods for making and using same.

2. Description of the Related Art

The problem with the current bottles is their weights once full and thecomplexity of handling them especially for people with disabilities,senior citizens and even normal people.

Most bottles with dispensing spouts are messy and not accurate indispensing the liquids even though most bottles come with measuringcups, but only for one load. Some bottles are clear so you can see howmuch product is left, but most of the bottles are made with solid colorsso you can't see how much product is left.

Deepening bleach is also a big issue, because it's a hazardous materialand its affect on color when in contact with clothes.

Dispensing laundry detergent is a sloppy business. Often times users arefaced with spillages, dispensing inconsistent amounts of detergent foreach wash, or dispensing more or less than manufacturers recommendedamount of detergent for a given load of laundry for a given machine.

Consumers don't feel fully in control when using/dosing current laundrydetergent, fabric softener or any other big volume household products.Most current packages are not Intuitive to dose the correct amount; theyare messy and not easy to handle and most importantly they are notflexible or adjustable to dose different volumes for varying jobs. Mostconsumers have difficulties in dispensing these products and usually endup overdosing them.

In addition to the lack of control, it appears that too much waste isgenerated in current packages and there is always product left behind ormore often difficult to get out.

Consumers feel disconnected from the manufacturers of household productsthey use every day despite a massive social media presence.

The problem has been addressed by making smaller bottles and morelightweight bottles with different shapes and construction materials.The problem with smaller bottles is cost per ounce is high and thefrequency of purchasing the product is high.

Another solution was to create a washing machines with integratedreservoirs to be filled with liquids and to be dispensed internally justlike water. The issue is that this technology has some limitationsbecause of the moving parts of the washing machine and even if thismodel will become popular it will take many years before all theexisting washing machines will be converted.

Blending concentrated products also has been offered as another way tominimize cost and save storage space. The issue with this method is thatmost products are too thick and they present challenges in theirmanufacturing process and they do not dissolve as good.

Others offered combined products such as softener and laundry detergent.The issue with these products is that they are not as effective as ifthey are dispensed separately because of their competing andincompatible chemistries. Most softeners are usually acidic in natureand most laundry detergent is basic in nature.

While many apparatuses and methods have been purposed for controllingthe amount of household fluid dispensed from a household fluid containerinto a household appliance prior to running the appliance, there isstill a need in the art for improved systems and methods for dispensinghousehold fluid to household appliances

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of this disclosure provide apparatuses including at leastone cap for engaging at least one container, where one containercontains a household fluid, having a dip tube, a handheld fluid meteringdevice or a wand including a processing unit or a microprocessing unithaving wireless communication hardware and software, a pump, optionallya flow meter, optionally a flow controller, a power supply, at one fluidinlet, a fluid outlet, at least one fluid conduit, and a control unit,where the processing unit or the microprocessing unit, the pump, theoptional flow meter, the optional flow controller, the control unit, andthe power supply are in electrical communication and where the pump andthe flow meter are under the control of the processing unit. In certainembodiments, the apparatuses include at least two caps having a dip tubeand the wand further includes a mixing chamber for mixing at least twofluids together prior to being pumped through the pump and out theoutlet. In certain embodiments, the household fluid is a laundrydetergent. In other embodiments, one of the household fluids is alaundry detergent and another of the household fluids is water. In otherembodiments, one of the household fluids is a laundry detergent, one ofthe household fluids is water and one of the household fluids is fabricsoftener, a stain removing fluid, a bleaching fluid, any other fluidused for washing clothes, or mixtures thereof.

Embodiments of this disclosure provide methods for dispensing at leastone household fluid including receiving a first input from a controlunit of a handheld unit associated with a household fluid dispensingapparatus of this disclosure, turning on a pump of the handheld unit,and dispensing a specific amount of the fluid into a householdappliance. The methods may also include receiving a second input fromthe control unit corresponding to selecting the specific amount. Themethods may also include outputting a signal corresponding to an amountof fluid remaining a container containing the fluid from which the fluidis dispensed. The methods also include pulling information from awebsite associated with the fluid to set the specific amount of fluid tobe dispensed to the appliance.

Embodiments of this disclosure provide apparatuses including adispensing unit comprising a household fluid compartment containing ahousehold fluid and a dip tube, a handheld fluid metering device or awand including a microprocessing unit or a microprocessor or a processorhaving wireless communication hardware and software, a pump, optionallya flow meter, optionally a flow controller, a power supply, at one fluidinlet, a fluid outlet, at least one fluid conduit, and a control unit,where the processing unit, the pump, the optional flow meter, theoptional flow controller, the control unit, and the power supply are inelectrical communication and where the pump and the flow meter are underthe control of the processing unit. In certain embodiments, theapparatuses include at least two caps having a dip tube and the wandfurther includes a mixing chamber for mixing at least two fluidstogether prior to being pumped through the pump and out the outlet. Incertain embodiments, the household fluid is a laundry detergent. Inother embodiments, one of the household fluids is a laundry detergentand another of the household fluids is water. In other embodiments, oneof the household fluids is a laundry detergent, one of the householdfluids is water and one of the household fluids is fabric softener, astain removing fluid, a bleaching fluid, any other fluid used forwashing clothes, or mixtures thereof.

Embodiments of this disclosure provide methods for dispensing at leastone household fluid including receiving a first input from a controlunit of a handheld unit associated with a household fluid dispensingapparatus of this disclosure, turning on a pump of the handheld unit,and dispensing a specific amount of the fluid into a householdappliance. The methods may also include receiving a second input fromthe control unit corresponding to selecting the specific amount. Themethods may also include outputting a signal corresponding to an amountof fluid remaining a container containing the fluid from which the fluidis dispensed. The methods also include pulling information from awebsite associated with the fluid to set the specific amount of fluid tobe dispensed to the appliance.

Embodiments of this disclosure provide apparatuses include a washingmachine including a dispensing unit of this disclosure. Embodiments ofthis disclosure also provide methods for using the washing machinesincluding a dispensing unit of this disclosure.

Embodiments of this disclosure provide apparatuses include a pluralityof washing machines, each including a control panel and three fluidinlets so receiving one or three different fluids. The apparatuses alsoinclude a dispensing unit including three reservoirs, three differentpump and flow controllers, three different conduits, a power supply, anda processor, where commands entered at a washing machine are transmittedto the processor that then dispensing the indicated fluids and amounts.

Embodiments of this disclosure provide methods for dispensing fluid to aplurality of washing machines in a laundry mat.

Embodiments of the apparatuses may also include a concierge button,where a customer is able to push a button or invoke a command to beconnected to customer service to handle issues that may arise from usingthe apparatuses and methods disclosed herein.

Embodiments of the apparatuses and methods may also include a humancognizable feedback unit such as speakers or other audio devices, adisplay, or other audio visual devices so that customers may listen tomusic, watch TV or play video games while doing laundry or otherhousehold or commercial tasks.

Embodiments of the apparatuses and methods may also include realtime orsubstantially realtime sensors designed to alert consumers of low fluidlevels so the re-ordering of product may be stream-lined and automatedmaking re-ordering product less of a hassle. In other embodiments, theapparatus may have the capability for automated reordering, manuallyreordering, or ordering product on a pre-defined basis.

Embodiments of the apparatuses and methods may also include cartridges(containers) for ease of product replacement. On demand inventorycontrol facilitated by the communication of the devices with companyheadquarters, which may result in consumer savings and increaseeconomical use of household fluids as the apparatuses described hereinincrease fluid usage and fluid level monitoring.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may also relate to productsexclusively tailored for use in the apparatuses described herein.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may also include apparatuses,systems, and methods that are adapted to collect fees for using offluids in such settings as laundry mats. The fees may be collected usingcoin devices well known the art or by using credit card or bankwithdrawal devices also well known in the art. In this way, theapparatuses and systems may be fully automated in locations, where thegeneral public may utilize apparatuses incorporating the dispensingapparatuses of this disclosure, so that fees may be easily collected fordispensing fluids without having the consumer bring their own or havingto purchase fluid or powders that may be added to the washing machines.

Embodiments of this disclosure also provide washing machine fluiddispensing apparatuses adapted to be attached to a washing machine orintegrated into a wash machine.

Embodiments of this disclosure also provide pool chemical dispensingapparatuses.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS OF THIS DISCLOSURE

The disclosure can be better understood with reference to the followingdetailed description together with the appended illustrative drawings inwhich like elements are numbered the same:

Mobile Household Fluid Dispensing Apparatuses

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a dispensing apparatus of thisdisclosure, where the wand includes a pump, a flow meter, amicroprocessor, and a power supply.

FIG. 2A depicts another embodiment of a wand of this disclosure, wherethe wand includes a pump, a flow meter, a microprocessor, and a powersupply and capable of dispensing two fluids.

FIG. 2B depicts another embodiment of a wand of this disclosure, wherethe wand includes a mixing chamber, a pump, a flow meter, amicroprocessor, and a power supply and capable of dispensing two fluids.

FIG. 3A depicts another embodiment of a wand of this disclosure, wherethe wand includes flow controllers, a pump, a flow meter, amicroprocessor, and a power supply and capable of dispensing two fluids.

FIG. 3B depicts another embodiment of a wand of this disclosure, wherethe wand includes flow controllers, a mixing chamber, a pump, a flowmeter, a microprocessor, and a power supply and capable of dispensingtwo fluids.

FIG. 4A depicts another embodiment of a designed container of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 4B depicts another embodiment of a designed container of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 5A depicts another embodiment of an apparatus of this disclosureincluding another designed container and a wand.

FIG. 5B depicts another embodiment of an apparatus of this disclosureincluding another designed container and a wand.

FIG. 6A depicts another embodiment of a dip tube of this disclosureincluding a simple inlet.

FIG. 6B depicts another embodiment of a dip tube of this disclosureincluding a flared inlet with circular apertures.

FIG. 6C depicts another embodiment of a dip tube of this disclosureincluding a triangular wire mesh flared inlet.

FIG. 6D depicts another embodiment of a dip tube of this disclosureincluding a rectangular flared inlet with circular apertures.

FIG. 7A depicts an embodiment of the control unit including buttons anda speaker.

FIG. 7B depicts another embodiment of the control unit includingbuttons, a slider, a speaker, and LEDs.

FIG. 7C depicts another embodiment of the control unit includingbuttons, a display, a speaker, and LEDs.

FIG. 7D depicts another embodiment of the control unit including adisplay and a speaker.

FIG. 7E depicts another embodiment of the control unit including adisplay, a speaker, and LEDs.

FIG. 7F depicts another embodiment of the control unit including adisplay.

FIG. 8 depicts another embodiment of a fluid dispensing apparatus ofthis disclosure, where the apparatus includes a fluid reservoir, a wand,a pump, a flow meter, a microprocessor, and a power supply.

FIG. 9 depicts another embodiment of a fluid dispensing apparatus ofthis disclosure, where the apparatus includes two fluid reservoirs, awand, a pump, flow meters, a microprocessor, and a power supply.

FIG. 10 depicts another embodiment of a fluid dispensing apparatus ofthis disclosure, where the apparatus includes three fluid reservoir, awand, a pump, flow meters, a microprocessor, and a power supply.

FIG. 11 depicts another embodiment of a fluid dispensing apparatus ofthis disclosure, where the apparatus includes three fluid reservoir, awand, a pump, flow meters, a microprocessor, and a power supply.

FIGS. 12A&B depicts another embodiment of a fluid dispensing apparatusof this disclosure, where the apparatus includes three fluid reservoirand a pipette.

FIG. 13 depicts another embodiment of a fluid dispensing apparatus ofthis disclosure including a single fluid container.

FIG. 14 depicts another embodiment of a fluid dispensing apparatus ofthis disclosure including a single fluid container.

FIG. 15 depicts another embodiment of a fluid dispensing apparatus ofthis disclosure including a single fluid container.

FIG. 16 depicts another embodiment of a fluid dispensing apparatus ofthis disclosure including two fluid containers.

FIGS. 17A&B depict another embodiment of a fluid dispensing apparatus ofthis disclosure including three containers.

FIG. 18 depicts another embodiment of a fluid dispensing apparatus ofthis disclosure including three containers.

Washing Machine Apparatuses Including Fluid Dispensing Apparatus

FIG. 19 depicts an embodiment of a washing machine apparatus including afluid dispensing apparatus of this disclosure including threecontainers.

FIGS. 20A&B depict an embodiment of a washing machine fluid dispensingapparatus of this disclosure including three containers.

FIGS. 21A-H depict an embodiment of a washing machine fluid dispensingapparatus of this disclosure.

FIGS. 22A-C depict views of embodiment of the injection devices forintroducing fluids into hot water and/or cold water conduits within theapparatus of FIGS. 21A-H.

FIG. 23 depicts an embodiment of the electronics used to control theapparatuses described in FIGS. 21 and 22 .

FIGS. 24A&B depict an embodiment of a washing machine including a fluiddispensing apparatus similar to the apparatuses described in FIGS. 21and 22 attached thereto.

FIGS. 25A&B depict an embodiment of a washing machine including a fluiddispensing apparatus similar to the apparatuses described in FIGS. 21and 22 integrated therewith.

Pool Chemical Sensing and Dispensing Apparatuses

FIG. 26 depicts a pool including a pool chemical sensing and dispensingapparatus of this disclosure.

FIGS. 27A-C depict embodiments of a pool chemical hub apparatus of thisdisclosure.

FIGS. 28A-C depict embodiments of a chemical testing and introductionassembly.

FIGS. 29A-D depict embodiments of a control unit.

FIGS. 30A-D depict two embodiments of a container support assembly shownin collapsed and expanded states.

FIGS. 31A-C depict embodiments of containers.

DEFINITIONS USED IN THE DISCLOSURE

In addition to having their customary and usual meaning, the followingdefinitions apply where the context permits in the specification andclaims:

The term “at least one” means one or more or one or a plurality,additionally, these three terms may be used interchangeably within thisapplication. For example, at least one device means one or more devicesor one device and a plurality of devices.

The term “one or a plurality” means one item or a plurality of items.

The term “about” means that a value of a given quantity is within ±20%of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±15% ofthe stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±10% of thestated value. In other embodiments, the value is within +5% of thestated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±2.5% of thestated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±1% of thestated value.

The term “substantially” or “essentially” means that a value of a givenquantity is within ±5% of the stated value. In other embodiments, thevalue is within ±2.5% of the stated value. In other embodiments, thevalue is within ±2% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the valueis within ±1% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value iswithin ±0.1% of the stated value.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The inventors have found that apparatuses for dispensing a household orindustrial fluid or a plurality of household or industrial fluids may beconstructed that includes a container having a cap including a dip tube,a wand or handheld device and a flexible fluid conduit interconnectingthe dip tube and the wand, where the wand meters a controlled, pre-setor variable amount of the household or industrial fluid or fluids into ahousehold appliance or industrial equipment and tracks the amount offluid or fluids dispensed. The apparatuses are designed to simplify thedispensing of household or industrial fluid to a household appliance orindustrial equipment, to control the amount of fluid or fluids supplied,and to track the amount of fluid used so that the wand may advice theuser when the fluid or fluids container is low and needs to be replacedand/or refilled. The apparatuses are designed to improve the dispensingof a household appliance or industrial equipment fluids such as liquiddetergents, liquid fabric softeners, liquid stain removers, liquidbleach, liquid bleach alternatives, and/or any other household fluid orany industrial fluid. The package includes a new bottle design and abattery-operated wand having a microprocessing unit or microprocessorhaving wireless hardware and software. Of course, it should berecognized that the processing unit or processor may be of any sizeincluding those used by traditional desktop and tap top computers.

The package also has a pump and flow meters for dispensing controlled,pre-set or variable amount of one or more household appliance orindustrial equipment fluids. The wand may be connected to the bottle viaa cap having unique threads, which cannot be used on any other bottlesthan the bottles described in this disclosure. The wand is designed toimprove delivery of the household appliance or industrial equipmentfluids. The processors include software or software applications totrack usage and alert a consumer when it is time to replace, reorder, orrefill associated containers or refill container with appropriateproduct. The application may also send reminders, offers, and discountsfor the fluids and adjust amounts based on manufacturingrecommendations. Additionally, for wands that dispense two or more (aplurality) household or industrial equipment fluids, the apparatuses maybe capable of controlling the amount of each fluid and optionally mixthem together prior to dispensing the mixed fluid.

The wand is designed to be purchased only once along with a laundryfluid container. Once the first bottle is empty, the consumer may buyadditional fluid in a replacement container or a larger container andrefill the existing container. In one embodiment, each fluid may haveits own container and wand.

In other embodiments, the wand includes two or more fluid conduits, flowmeters, flow controllers and an optionally a mixing chamber for mixingtwo or more fluids prior to the mixed fluid being dispensed. In otherembodiments, the apparatuses include a multiple compartment containerand a wand for each compartment, where each wand dispenses itscorresponding fluid. In other embodiments, the apparatuses include amultiple compartment container and a wand having multiple fluidconduits, a fluid meter, multiple flow controllers, and an optionally amixing chamber for mixing multiple fluids from some or all of thecompartments prior to dispensing the mixed fluid.

The inventors have also found that the fluid dispensing apparatuses andmethods of this disclosure have the advantage of making the dispensingof household fluids easier, cleaner, and more accurate. The controlledmetering of household fluids represents distinct advantages over simplypouring fluids from containers. The present dispensing apparatus mayalso be used to determine the amount of fluid being poured out of acontainer, or changing the amount of fluids being dispensed depending onload size and changing recommendations on amounts. In fact, thecontroller and microprocessor used in the present apparatuses may beconfigured to receive information from the washing machine or otherhousehold appliance concerning such things as load size, load dirtcontent, floor dirtiness, or other factors that would affect the amountsand types of fluids being dispensed. Thus, if the apparatuses aredispensing laundry fluids, then information from the washing machine(either from sensor or from user input) may be used to control theamounts, types and timing of fluids being dispensed. If the apparatusesinclude detergent, softeners, and stain removers, then the informationmay be used to control the amounts of each fluid being dispensed, thetiming of the fluid being dispenses, and whether the fluid are betterdispensed mixed or unmixed, especially if the apparatuses are integratedinto the washing machine.

The inventors also believe that apparatuses and methods of thisdisclosure provide the consumer with improved product control whenusing/dosing the product for the following reasons: (1) the presentsystems are intuitive to dose the correct amount for the job to be done,(2) the present systems are less messing, mess-free, or substantiallymess-free, (3) the present systems are easy to handle and use, (4) thepresent systems are flexible or adjustable to dose different volumes forvarying jobs, and (5) the present system are accurate and in control toavoid overdosing and minimizing waste and spillage. The present systemsgenerate reduced waste, no waste or substantially no waste, use all orsubstantially all of the product, are easy to empty, minimize packagingwaste and minimize overdosing or over use of products. The presentsystems allow complete and direct access to consumer to real-time orsubstantially real-time tracking of fluid usage. The present systemsalso allow Wi-Fi compatible or other wireless communication protocolsand fully control of the apparatuses from a downloadable computer/phoneapp that tracks fluid usage. The present systems also allow consumers tobe notified when it is time to reorder fluids and make reordering fluidseasier such as a one click ordering methodology permitting the productto be delivered directly to the consumer's house or place of business.The downloadable app may also allow the user to access usefulinformation on how to use the fluids effectively and efficiently.

Embodiments of this disclosure provide apparatuses including at leastone cap for engaging at least one container, where one containercontains a household fluid, having a dip tube, a handheld fluid meteringdevice or a wand including a microprocessing unit having wirelesscommunication hardware and software, a pump, optionally a flow meter,optionally a flow controller, a power supply, at one fluid inlet, afluid outlet, at least one fluid conduit, and a control unit, where theprocessing unit, the pump, the optional flow meter, the optional flowcontroller, the control unit, and the power supply are in electricalcommunication and where the pump and the flow meter are under thecontrol of the processing unit. In certain embodiments, the apparatusesinclude at least two caps having a dip tube and the wand furtherincludes a mixing chamber for mixing at least two fluids together priorto being pumped through the pump and out the outlet. In certainembodiments, the household fluid is a laundry detergent. In otherembodiments, one of the household fluids is a laundry detergent andanother of the household fluids is water. In other embodiments, one ofthe household fluids is a laundry detergent, one of the household fluidsis water and one of the household fluids is fabric softener, a stainremoving fluid, a bleaching fluid, any other fluid used for washingclothes, or mixtures thereof.

Embodiments of the present disclosure broadly related to apparatusesincluding: (a) a laundry fluid container having a cap including a diptube; (b) a wand including: (i) a microprocessor, (ii) a power supply,(iii) a control unit, (iv) a pump, (v) a flow meter, (vi) a fluid inlet,and (vii) a fluid outlet or dispensing head; and (c) a flexible fluidconduit interconnecting the dip tube to the fluid inlet of the wand,wherein: (1) the pump and the flow meter are under the control of themicroprocessor, (2) microprocessor include wireless communicationhardware and software and software for receiving output signals from thecontrol unit and for controlling the pump and the flow controller, (3)the power supply supplies power to the microprocessor, the control unit,the pump, and the flow controller, and (4) the control unit provides auser to control the wand via the microprocessor.

Embodiments of the present disclosure broadly related to apparatusesincluding: (a) a plurality of laundry fluid containers, each containerhaving a cap including a dip tube; (b) a wand including: (i) amicroprocessor, (ii) a power supply, (iii) a control unit, (iv) a pump,(v) a flow meter, (vi) a plurality of flow controllers, (vii) a mixingchamber including a mixing device, (viii) an equal plurality of fluidinlets, and (ix) a fluid outlet or dispensing head; and (c) a flexiblefluid conduit interconnecting the dip tube to the fluid inlet of thewand, wherein: (1) the pump, and the flow meter are under the control ofthe microprocessor, (2) microprocessor include wireless communicationhardware and software and software for receiving output signals from thecontrol unit and for controlling the pump and the flow controller, (3)the power supply supplies power to the microprocessor, the control unit,the pump, and the flow controller, (4) the mixing chamber and the mixermix one or more fluid to form a mixed fluid, and (5) the control unitprovides a user to control the wand via the microprocessor. In certainembodiments, the control unit includes buttons for controlling the wand.In other embodiments, the control unit includes a user feedback devicesuch as a touchscreen for controlling the wand and for displayinginformation to the user.

Embodiments of the present disclosure broadly related to apparatusesincluding: (a) a laundry fluid container having a cap including a diptube; (b) a wand including: (i) a microprocessor, (ii) a power supply,(iii) an control unit having a user feedback device, (iv) a pump, (v) aflow meter, (vi) a plurality of flow controllers, (vii) a mixing chamberincluding a mixing device, (viii) an equal plurality of fluid inlets,and (ix) a fluid outlet or dispensing head; and (c) a flexible fluidconduit interconnecting the dip tube to the fluid inlet of the wand,wherein: (1) the control unit, the pump, and the flow meter are underthe control of the microprocessor, (2) microprocessor include wirelesscommunication hardware and software and software for receiving outputsignals from the control unit and for controlling the pump and the flowcontroller, (3) the power supply supplies power to the microprocessor,the control unit, the pump, and the flow controller, (4) the mixingchamber and the mixer mix one or more fluid to form a mixed fluid, and(5) the control unit of the control unit provides a user to control thewand via the microprocessor.

Embodiments of this disclosure broadly relates to methods for includingreceiving a first input from a control unit of a handheld unitassociated with a household fluid dispensing apparatus of thisdisclosure, turning on a pump of the handheld unit, and dispensing aspecific amount of the fluid from a container associated with theapparatus into a household appliance. The methods may also includereceiving a second input from the control unit corresponding toselecting the specific amount from a set of specific amounts. Themethods may also include tracking the amount of fluid being dispensedfrom the container and outputting a signal corresponding to an amount offluid remaining the container from which the fluid is being dispensed.The methods also include pulling information from a website associatedwith the fluid and/or appliance to set the specific amount of the fluidto be dispensed to the appliance. In certain embodiments, the signalcomprises illuminating a green, yellow or red light, wherein the greenlight represents a fluid amount greater or equal to ¼ full, the yellowlight represents a fluid amount less than ¼ full and greater or equal to⅛ full, and the red light represents a fluid amount less than ⅛ full. Incertain embodiments, the methods also include dispensing specificamounts of a plurality of fluids from a plurality of containers. Inembodiments, the methods also include controlling the amount of eachfluid being dispensed and tracking the amount of each fluid beingdispensed. In certain embodiments, the methods also include mixing thefluids together in a mixing chamber associated with the handheld unit.

Embodiments of this disclosure provide apparatuses including at leastone cap for engaging at least one container, where one containercontains a household fluid, having a dip tube, a handheld fluid meteringdevice or a wand including a microprocessing unit having wirelesscommunication hardware and software, a pump, optionally a flow meter,optionally a flow controller, a power supply, at one fluid inlet, afluid outlet, at least one fluid conduit, and a control unit, where theprocessing unit, the pump, the optional flow meter, the optional flowcontroller, the control unit, and the power supply are in electricalcommunication and where the pump and the flow meter are under thecontrol of the processing unit. In certain embodiments, the apparatusesinclude at least two caps having a dip tube and the wand furtherincludes a mixing chamber for mixing at least two fluids together priorto being pumped through the pump and out the outlet. In certainembodiments, the household fluid is a laundry detergent. In otherembodiments, one of the household fluids is a laundry detergent andanother of the household fluids is water. In other embodiments, one ofthe household fluids is a laundry detergent, one of the household fluidsis water and one of the household fluids is fabric softener, a stainremoving fluid, a bleaching fluid, any other fluid used for washingclothes, or mixtures thereof.

Embodiments of the present disclosure broadly related to apparatusesincluding: (a) a removable laundry fluid container; (b) a Base housingincluding: (i) a microprocessor, (ii) a power supply, (iii) a controlunit having a user feedback device, (iv) a pump, (v) a flow meter, (vi)a plurality of flow controllers, (vii) a mixing chamber including amixing device, (viii) an equal plurality of fluid inlets, and (ix) afluid outlet or dispensing head; (c) a wand with no-drip tip, load sizeselection buttons and dispensing initiator button, (d) a flexible fluidconduit interconnecting the base housing to the fluid inlet of the wand,wherein: (1) the control unit, the pump, and the flow meter are underthe control of the microprocessor, (2) microprocessor include wirelesscommunication hardware and software and software for receiving outputsignals from the control unit and for controlling the pump and the flowcontroller, (3) the power supply supplies power to the microprocessor,the control unit, the pump, and the flow controller, (4) the mixingchamber and the mixer mix one or more fluid to form a mixed fluid, and(5) the control unit of the control unit provides a user to control thewand via the microprocessor.

Embodiments of the present disclosure broadly related to apparatusesincluding: (a) a disposable laundry fluid cartridge or multiple laundrycartridges that can contain deferent products; (b) a housing including:(i) a microprocessor, (ii) a power supply, (iii) a control unit having auser feedback device, (iv) a pump, (v) a flow meter, (vi) a plurality offlow controllers, (vii) a mixing chamber including a mixing device,(viii) an equal plurality of fluid inlets, and (ix) a fluid outlet ordispensing head; (c) a wand with no-drip tip, load size selectionbuttons and dispensing initiator button, (d) a flexible fluid conduitinterconnecting the base housing to the fluid inlet of the wand,wherein: (1) the control unit, the pump, and the flow meter are underthe control of the microprocessor, (2) microprocessor include wirelesscommunication hardware and software and software for receiving outputsignals from the control unit and for controlling the pump and the flowcontroller, (3) the power supply supplies power to the microprocessor,the control unit, the pump, and the flow controller, (4) the mixingchamber and the mixer mix one or more fluid to form a mixed fluid, and(5) the control unit of the control unit provides a user to control thewand via the microprocessor.

Embodiments of the present disclosure broadly related to apparatusesincluding: (a) a reusable electronic Pipette controller including: (i) amicroprocessor, (ii) a power supply, (iii) a control unit having a userfeedback device, (iv) a pump, (v) a flow meter, (vi) a plurality of flowcontrollers, (vii) a storage chamber to store the desired amount oflaundry (viii) load size selection buttons and dispensing initiatorbutton (ix) a fluid outlet or dispensing head with no-drip tip; wherein:(1) the control unit, the pump, and the flow meter are under the controlof the microprocessor, (2) microprocessor include wireless communicationhardware and software and software for receiving output signals from thecontrol unit and for controlling the pump and the flow controller, (3)the power supply supplies power to the microprocessor, the control unit,the pump, and the flow controller, (4) the mixing chamber and the mixermix one or more fluid to form a mixed fluid, and (5) the control unit ofthe control unit provides a user to control the wand via themicroprocessor, and (c) a container including (i) a dip tube, (ii) a capwith a one-way check valve or a fluid flow silicone check valve tocreate a sealed connection to the pipette.

Embodiments of the present disclosure broadly related to apparatusesincluding: (a) a disposable laundry fluid cartridge or multiple laundrycartridges that can contain different products; The cartridge is made indeferent shapes reflecting art objects such as animal shapes,geographical shapes such as a country map, or any other decorativeshapes (b) a housing or base including: (i) a microprocessor, (ii) apower supply, (iii) a control unit having a user feedback device, (iv) apump, (v) a flow meter, (vi) a plurality of flow controllers, (vii) amixing chamber including a mixing device, (viii) an equal plurality offluid inlets, and (ix) a fluid outlet or dispensing head; (c) a wandwith no-drip tip, load size selection buttons and dispensing initiatorbutton, (d) a flexible fluid conduit interconnecting the base housing tothe fluid inlet of the wand, wherein: (1) the control unit, the pump,and the flow meter are under the control of the microprocessor, (2)microprocessor include wireless communication hardware and software andsoftware for receiving output signals from the control unit and forcontrolling the pump and the flow controller, (3) the power supplysupplies power to the microprocessor, the control unit, the pump, andthe flow controller, (4) the mixing chamber and the mixer mix one ormore fluid to form a mixed fluid, and (5) the control unit of thecontrol unit provides a user to control the wand via the microprocessor.

Embodiments of the present disclosure broadly related to apparatusesincluding: (a) a disposable laundry fluid cartridge or multiple laundrycartridges that can contain different products; The cartridge is made indeferent shapes reflecting art objects such as animal shapes,geographical shapes such as a country map, or any other decorativeshapes (b) a housing or base including: (i) a microprocessor, (ii) apower supply, (iii) a control unit having a user feedback device, (iv) apump, (v) a flow meter, (vi) a plurality of flow controllers, (vii) amixing chamber including a mixing device, (viii) an equal plurality offluid inlets, and (ix) a fluid outlet or dispensing head; (c) a wandwith no-drip tip, load size selection buttons and dispensing initiatorbutton, (d) a flexible fluid conduit interconnecting the base housing tothe fluid inlet of the wand, wherein: (1) the control unit, the pump,and the flow meter are under the control of the microprocessor, (2)microprocessor include wireless communication hardware and software andsoftware for receiving output signals from the control unit and forcontrolling the pump and the flow controller, (3) the power supplysupplies power to the microprocessor, the control unit, the pump, andthe flow controller, (4) the mixing chamber and the mixer mix one ormore fluid to form a mixed fluid, and (5) the control unit of thecontrol unit provides a user to control the wand via the microprocessor.

Embodiments of this disclosure also provide washing machine fluiddispensing apparatuses adapted to be attached to a washing machine orintegrated into a wash machine.

The apparatuses include one or more substantially rectangular solidslots disposed in a front, left portion thereof and one moresubstantially rectangular solid fluid/liquid containers adapted to fitin the slots. Each of the slots include a fluid connector and each ofthe containers include a fluid connector, wherein the containerconnectors are adapted to engage the slot connectors to support fluidflow from the containers.

The apparatuses also include a processing unit or processor havingcommunication hardware and software, memory, and peripheral connectorsdisposed in an interior thereof. The apparatuses also include a touchscreen, a concierge button, and one or more USB ports in communicationwith the processor and disposed in a front, right portion thereof. Incertain embodiments, the apparatuses also include a speaker, an audioinput port, a video port, or other input or output devices andassociated input and output device ports.

The apparatuses also include a cold water conduit having a right sidecold water inlet including a right side cold water inlet fitting and aleft side cold water outlet including a left side cold water outletfitting disposed in a lower left and right side portions thereof.

The apparatuses also include a hot water conduit having a right side hotwater inlet including a right side hot water inlet fitting and a leftside hot water outlet including a left side hot water outlet fittingdisposed in the lower left and right side portions thereof.

The cold water conduit and hot water conduit run parallel through aninterior of the apparatuses and include one or more fittings forreceiving fluid from each of the containers disposed equally along alength of the hot and cold conduits.

The apparatuses also include one or more fluid injection assemblies andone or more fluid injection conduit assemblies for introducing thefluids from the containers into either the cold water conduit, the hotwater conduit or both in a controlled manner.

The one or more slots are adapted to receive one or more fluid/liquidcontainers and adapted to allow a consumer to remove one of thecontainers for refilling.

Each of the fluid injector assemblies includes a pump or injector havinga pump inlet and a pump outlet, wherein the pump pulls fluid from thecontainers and into either the cold water conduit, the hot waterconduit, or both.

Each of the fluid injector conduit assemblies includes (a) an inletsection having a proximal end attached to, affixed to, or integral withthe slot connector and a distal end having an inlet section check valveattached to, affixed to, or integral with the pump or injector inlet,(b) a straight section having a proximal end attached to, affixed to, orintegral with the pump or injector outlet and a distal end having astraight section check valve, (c) a T section having (1) a top endattached to, affixed to, or integral with the straight section at thestraight section check valve, (2) a cold water end including a coldwater check valve attached to, affixed to, or integral with one of thecold water fittings, and (3) a hot water end including a hot water checkvalve attached to, affixed to, or integral with one of the hot waterfittings, and (d) a control valve disposed on a bottom of the T sectionand adapted to direct fluid flow into either the cold conduit, the hotconduit or both.

In certain embodiments, the fluid injector assemblies comprise syringeinjectors. Each of the syringe injectors includes a rotary motor havinga motor shaft. Each of the syringe injectors a threaded syringe shaftrotationally connected to the motor shaft via a collar and a syringeplunger. Each of the plungers includes a plunger slide attachment and athreaded plunger slide disposed on a top of the plunger and a plungerpad disposed on a bottom of the plunger. In these embodiments, the pumpinlets and the outlets are the same. Each of the syringe injectorsoperates by pulling fluid from its containers through the inlet section,through the inlet section check valve and into the plunger due to theplunger being pulled up by operation of the rotary motor. Once a desiredamount of fluid has been pulled into the syringe injector, the motorreverses direction and pushes the fluid into the straight section,through the straight section check valve, through the T section and intoeither the cold water conduit, the hot water conduit or both based onthe control valve setting. Again, the check valves all allow fluid flowin only the forward direction and stop back flow.

In other embodiments, the fluid injections assemblies may comprise anyinjector or pump assembly that draws fluid from a container and injectsthe fluid into the cold conduit, the hot conduit, or both in acontrolled manner. Other injector or pump assemblies may be based oncentrifugal pumps, diaphragm pumps, gear pumps, peristaltic pumps, lobepumps, piston pumps, or any other type of pump or fluid or liquidinjector assembly.

The apparatuses also include one or more container release buttonsdisposed below the one or more slots. Each of the one or more containerrelease buttons are attached to, affixed to or integral with a releasearm having a locking end. Each of the slots includes a locking endreceiving slot adapted to receive the locking end of the arm engagingthe locking end and locking the containers in place. When one of thebutton is pushed in, the arm move inward moving the locking end out ofthe locking end slot and disengaging and unlocking the container so thatthe container may be removed.

Suitable Components for Use in the Disclosure

Household and Industrial Fluids

Suitable ready to use household and industrial fluids include, withoutlimitation, laundry detergents, chlorine containing bleaches,non-chlorine-containing bleaches, fabric softeners, stain removingfluids, dishwashing fluids, laundry pre-spotters, pool cleaning fluidsand concentrated fluids such as bathroom cleaners, tub cleaners, tilecleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, general cleaner and disinfectant, windowand glass cleaner, or mixtures and combinations thereof.

Micro Pumps

Suitable micro pumps for use in this disclosure include, withoutlimitation, peristaltic, piezoelectric micro pumps, metering pumps, anyother micro pump, or mixtures and combinations thereof.

Micro Flow Meters

Suitable micro flow meters for use in this disclosure include, withoutlimitation, metal or plastic microflow meters such as microflow metersavailable from MOJO Technology Co., Limited, Bitspower flow sensoravailable from Watercooling, UK, microflow meters available fromB.I.O-TECH e.K., microflow meters available from OMEGA Engineering is asubsidiary of Spectris PLC, microflow meters available from Siemens, andany other manufacturer of micro flow meters.

Micro Flow Controllers

Suitable micro flow controller for use in this disclosure include,without limitation, metal or plastic micro flow controller such as microflow controller available from MOJO Technology Co., Limited, micro flowcontroller available from Watercooling, UK, micro flow controlleravailable from B.I.O-TECH e.K., micro flow controller available fromOMEGA Engineering is a subsidiary of Spectris PLC, micro flow controlleravailable from Siemens, and any other manufacturer of micro flow meters.

Micro Processing Units

Suitable micro processing units or microprocessors for use in thepresent disclosure include, without limitation, digital microprocessingunits (DPUs), analog microprocessing units (APUs), micro FieldProgrammable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), any other technology that can receivemotion sensor output and generate command and/or control functions forobjects under the control of the processing unit, or mixtures andcombinations thereof.

Processing Units and MicroProcessing Units

Suitable digital processing units, digital processors, (DPUs) microprocessing units, and digital microprocessors (DmPUs) include, withoutlimitation, any digital processing unit capable of accepting input froma plurality of devices and converting at least some of the input intooutput designed to select and/or control attributes of one or more ofthe devices. Exemplary examples of such DPUs include, withoutlimitation, microprocessor, microcontrollers, or the like manufacturedby Intel, Motorola, Ericsson, HP, Samsung, Hitachi, NRC, AppliedMaterials, AMD, Cyrix, Sun Microsystem, Philips, National Semiconductor,Qualcomm, ARM, TDK, Invensense, Xilinx, Altera or any other manufactureof microprocessors or microcontrollers.

Suitable analog processing units or processors (APUs) and microprocessing units or analog microprocessors (AmPUs) include, withoutlimitation, any analog processing unit capable of accepting input from aplurality of devices and converting at least some of the input intooutput designed to control attributes of one or more of the devices.Such analog devices are available from manufacturers such as AnalogDevices Inc.

User Feedback Units

Suitable user feedback units include, without limitation, a haptic(touch) device, an audio device, a visual device, and/or an audiovisualdevice. Exemplary examples of audio devices include, without limitation,speakers or any other device the generate audio frequency vibrations.Exemplary examples of visual devices include, without limitation, liquidcrystal displays, light emitting diode displays, organic light emittingdiode displays, plasma displays, touch screens, touch sensitiveinput/output devices, holographic display devices, optical input/outputdevice, and any other optical input/output device that permits a user toreceive user intended inputs and outputs. Exemplary examples ofaudiovisual devices include, without limitation, liquid crystal displaysincluding an audio component, light emitting diode displays including anaudio component, organic light emitting diode displays including anaudio component, plasma displays including an audio component, touchscreens including an audio component, touch sensitive input/outputdevices including an audio component, holographic display devicesincluding an audio component, optical input/output devices including anaudio component, and any other optical input/output device that permitsa user to receive user intended inputs and outputs including an audiocomponent.

Household and Industrial Appliances

Suitable household and industrial appliance include, without limitation,washing machines, dish washing machines, and drawer dish washingmachines.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS OF THE DISCLOSURE

General Apparatus—First Type

Referring now to FIG. 1 , an embodiment of dispensing apparatus of thisdisclosure, generally 100, is shown to include a fluid container 102including a cap 104 having a dip tube 106 including a wire mesh fluidinlet 108, and an outlet connector 110 associated with a fluid outlet112.

The apparatus 100 also includes a handheld fluid dispensing device orwand 120 including an fluid inlet connector 122, a first fluid conduit124, and a pump 126. The first fluid conduit 124 interconnects the inletconnector 122 and the pump 126. The wand 120 also includes a flow meter128, a second fluid conduit 130, a fluid wand outlet head 132, and athird fluid conduit 134, where the second fluid conduit 130interconnects the pump 126 to the flow meter 128 and where the thirdconduit 134 interconnects the flow meter 128 and the outlet head 132.The wand 120 also includes a power supply 136, a microprocessing unit138, and a control unit 140. The power supply 136 supplies power to thepump 126, the flow meter 128, and the control unit 140 via electricalwires 142. The microprocessor 138 is in two-way communication with thepump 126, the flow meter 128, and the control unit 140 and is configuredto receive an output signal or signals from the control unit 140, toturn the pump 126 ON or OFF, to monitor the fluid flowing through theflow meter 128 and to turn the pump 126 OFF when the flow meter outputindicates that a pre-defined or pre-set amount of fluid has passedthrough the flow meter 128. Of course, it should be recognized that thepump 126 and flow meter 128 may be integrated into a single meteringpump. Additionally, the microprocessor 138 is also configured to keeptrack of the amount of fluid dispensed and to notify a user when thefluid in the container containing the fluid is low and needs to bereplaced and/or refilled.

The apparatus 100 also includes a flexible fluid conduit 144interconnecting the fluid outlet connector 110 to the fluid inletconnector 122. The flexible fluid conduit 144 may be of any length, butshould be of sufficient length so that the outlet head 132 of the wand120 may be inserted into a fluid inlet associated with an appliance, apool, a vehicle, or any other structure that need a fluid to operate.

Handheld Dispensing Device or Wand

Pump and Flow Meter

Referring now to FIG. 2A, another embodiment of a wand of thisdisclosure, generally 200, is shown to include a first fluid inletconnector 202, a second fluid inlet connector 204, a two legged fluidconduit 206, and a pump 208. The two-legged fluid conduit 206interconnects the inlet connectors 202 and 204 and the pump 208 andsupplies two different fluid to the pump 208. It should be recognizedthat the two legs of the two-legged conduit 206 may be of differentsizes to control the relative ratio of the two fluid entering the pump208.

The wand 200 also includes a flow meter 210, a second fluid conduit 212,a fluid wand outlet head 214, and a third fluid conduit 216, where thesecond fluid conduit 212 interconnects the pump 208 and the flow meter210 and where the third conduit 216 interconnects the flow meter 210 andthe outlet head 214.

The wand 200 also includes a power supply 218, a microprocessing unit220, and a control unit 222.

The power supply 218 supplies power to the pump 208, the flow meter 210,and the control unit 222 via electrical wires 224. The microprocessor220 is in two-way communication with the pump 208, the flow meter 210,and the control unit 222 via communication pathways 226.

The microprocessor 220 is configured to receive an output signal orsignals from the control unit 222, to turn the pump 208 ON or OFF, tomonitor the fluid flowing through the flow meter 210 and to turn thepump 208 OFF when the flow meter output indicates that a pre-defined orpre-set amount of fluid has passed through the flow meter 210.

Additionally, the microprocessor 220 is also configured to keep track ofthe amount of fluid dispensed and to notify a user when the fluid in thecontainer containing the fluid is low and needs to be replaced and/orrefilled. Of course, it should be recognized that the pump 208 and flowmeter 210 may be integrated into a single metering pump.

Mixing Chamber, Pump, and Flow Meter

Referring now to FIG. 2B, another embodiment of a wand of thisdisclosure, generally 250, is shown to include a first fluid inletconnector 252, a second fluid inlet connector 254, a first fluid conduit256, second fluid conduit 258, and a mixing chamber 260. The first andsecond fluid conduits 256 and 258 interconnect the inlet connectors 252and 254 and the mixing chamber 260. It should be recognized that the twoconduits 256 and 258 may be of different sizes to control the relativeratio of the two fluids entering the mixing chamber 260.

The wand 250 also includes a pump 262, a third fluid conduit 264, a flowmeter 266, a fourth fluid conduit 268, and a fluid wand outlet head 270,where the third fluid conduit 264 interconnects the pump 262 to the flowmeter 266 and where the fourth conduit 268 interconnects the flow meter266 and the outlet head 270.

The wand 250 also includes a power supply 272, a microprocessing unit274, and a control unit 276. The power supply 272 supplies power to themixing chamber 260 with the mixing chamber includes a mixer (not shown),the pump 262, the flow meter 266, and the control unit 276 viaelectrical wires 278.

The microprocessor 274 is in two-way communication with the pump 262,the flow meter 266, and the control unit 276 via communication pathways280. The microprocessor 274 is configured to receive an output signal orsignals from the control unit 276, to turn the pump 262 ON or OFF, tomonitor the fluid flowing through the flow meter 266 and to turn thepump 262 OFF when the flow meter output indicates that a pre-defined orpre-set amount of fluid has passed through the flow meter 266.

Additionally, the microprocessor 274 is also configured to keep track ofthe amount of fluid dispensed and to notify a user when the fluid in thecontainer containing the fluid is low and needs to be replaced and/orrefilled. Of course, it should be recognized that the pump 262 and flowmeter 266 may be integrated into a single metering pump.

Flow Controllers, Pump, and Flow Meter

Referring now to FIG. 3A, another embodiment of a wand of thisdisclosure, generally 300, is shown to include a first fluid inletconnector 302, a first fluid conduit 304, a first flow controller 306, asecond fluid inlet connector 308, a second fluid conduit 310, a secondflow controller 312, a two-legged fluid conduit 314, and a pump 316. Thefirst conduit 304 interconnects the first inlet connector 302 and thefirst flow controller 306. The second conduit 310 interconnects thesecond inlet connector 308 and the second flow controller 312. The twolegged fluid conduit 314 interconnects the flow control controllers 306and 312 and the pump 316 and supplies two different fluid to the pump316 at a controlled rate.

The wand 300 also includes a flow meter 318, a third fluid conduit 320,a fluid wand outlet head 322, and a fourth fluid conduit 324, where thethird fluid conduit 320 interconnects the pump 316 and the flow meter318 and where the fourth conduit 324 interconnects the flow meter 318and the outlet head 322.

The wand 300 also includes a power supply 326, a microprocessing unit328, and a control unit 330.

The power supply 326 supplies power to the flow controllers 306 and 312,pump 316, the flow meter 318, and the control unit 330 via electricalwires 332.

The microprocessor 328 is in two-way communication with the flowcontrollers 306 and 312, pump 316, the flow meter 318, and the controlunit 332 via communication pathways 334. The microprocessor 326 isconfigured to receive an output signal or signals from the control unit330, to turn the pump 316 ON or OFF, to monitor the fluid flowingthrough the flow meter 318 and to turn the pump 316 OFF when the flowmeter output indicates that a pre-defined or pre-set amount of fluid haspassed through the flow meter 318.

Additionally, the microprocessor 328 is also configured to keep track ofthe amount of fluid dispensed and to notify a user when the fluid in thecontainer containing the fluid is low and needs to be replaced and/orrefilled. Of course, it should be recognized that the pump 316 and flowmeter 318 may be integrated into a single metering pump.

Flow Controllers, Mixing Chamber, Pump, and Flow Meter

Referring now to FIG. 3B, another embodiment of a wand of thisdisclosure, generally 350, is shown to include a first fluid inletconnector 352, a first fluid conduit 354, a first flow controller 356, asecond fluid inlet connector 358, a second fluid conduit 360, a secondflow controller 362, a third fluid conduit 364, and a fourth fluidconduit 366, and a mixing chamber 368. The first conduit 354interconnects the first inlet connector 352 and the first flowcontroller 356. The second conduit 360 interconnects the second inletconnector 358 and the second flow controller 362. The third and fourthconduits 364 and 366 interconnect the flow controllers 356 and 362 andthe mixing chamber 368 and supplies two different fluids to the mixingchamber 368 at a controlled rate.

The wand 350 also includes a pump 370, a fifth fluid conduit 372, a flowmeter 374, a sixth fluid conduit 376, a fluid wand outlet head 378, anda seventh fluid conduit 380, where the fifth fluid conduit 372interconnects the pump 370 to the mixing chamber 368, the sixth fluidconduit 376 interconnects the pump 370 and the flow meter 374 and wherethe seventh fluid conduit 380 interconnects the flow meter 374 and theoutlet head 378.

The wand 350 also includes a power supply 382, a microprocessing unit384, and a control unit 386.

The power supply 382 supplies power to the pump 370, the flow meter 374,and the control unit 386 via electrical wires 388.

The microprocessor 384 is in two-way communication with the flowcontrollers 356 and 362, the pump 370, the flow meter 374, and thecontrol unit 386 via communication pathways 390. The microprocessor 384is configured to receive an output signal or signals from the controlunit 386, to adjust the flow controllers 356 and 362, to turn the pump370 ON or OFF, to monitor the fluid flowing through the flow meter 374and to turn the pump 370 OFF when the flow meter output indicates that apre-defined or pre-set amount of fluid has passed through the flow meter374.

Additionally, the microprocessor 370 is also configured to keep track ofthe amount of fluid dispensed and to notify a user when the fluid in thecontainer containing the fluid is low and needs to be replaced and/orrefilled. Of course, it should be recognized that the pump 370 and flowmeter 374 may be integrated into a single metering pump.

Containers

Referring now to FIG. 4A, another embodiment of a container of thisdisclosure, generally 400, is shown to include an outer shell 402, aneck 404, a cap 406 having a hose connector 408, and a dip tube 410having a fretted intake distal end 412 and a proximal end 414terminating in the connector 408. The container 400 further includes asump region 416 in which the distal end 414 is situated. The sump region416 is formed by a ramp 418, which improves drainage of a fluidcontained in the container 400.

Referring now to FIG. 4B, another embodiment of a container of thisdisclosure, generally 450, is shown to include an outer shell 452, aneck 454, a cap 456 having a hose connector 458, and a dip tube 460having a fretted intake distal end 462 and a proximal end 464terminating in the connector 458. The container 450 further includes asump region 466 in which the distal end 462 is situated. The sump region466 is formed by a step 468, which improves drainage of a fluidcontained in the container 450.

Specific Apparatuses

Referring now to FIG. 5A, another embodiment of an apparatus of thisdisclosure, generally 500, is shown to include a container 502comprising an outer shell 504, a neck 506, a cap 508 having an O-ring510, a wand receiving slot 512, and a fluid conduit 514 having a frettedintake distal end 516 and a proximate end 518. The container 502 furtherincludes a sump region 520 in which the distal end 516 is situated. Thesump region 520 is formed by a ramp 522, which improves drainage of afluid contained in the container 502. The apparatus 500 also includes awand 524 having a connector 526 and a dispensing conduit 528. Theapparatus 500 include a protrusion 530, while the wand 524 includes aslot 532, where the slot 532 in the wand 524 is designed to receive theprotrusion 530 so that the wand 524 may be detachably affixed to thecontainer 502. The wand connector 526 is designed to receive theproximal end 518 of the fluid conduit 514 and to connect it to aninternal wand fluid conduit 534.

Referring now to FIG. 5B, another embodiment of an apparatus of thisdisclosure, generally 550, is shown to include container 552 comprisingan outer shell 554, a neck 556, a cap 558 having an O-ring 560, a wandreceiving slot 562, and a fluid conduit 564 having a fretted intakedistal end 566 and a proximate end 568. The container 552 furtherincludes a sump region 570 in which the distal end 566 is situated. Thesump region 570 is formed by a ramp 572, which improve drainage of afluid contained in the container 552. The apparatus 550 also includes awand 574 having a connector 576 and a dispensing conduit 578. Thecontainer also includes three container magnets 580, while the wand 574includes three wand magnets 582, where the container magnets 580 and thewand magnets 582 are designed to engage each other so that the wand 574may be detachably affixed to the container 552; of course, the containermagnets 580 are oppositely polled relative to the wand magnets 582. Thewand connector 576 is designed to receive the proximal end 568 of thefluid conduit 564 and to connect it to an internal wand fluid conduit584.

Dip Tubes

Referring now to FIG. 6A, another embodiment of a dip tube 600 include astraight inlet 602 and a connector 604 associated with an outlet 606,where fluid is sucked from the inlet 602 through the dip tube 600.

Referring now to FIG. 6B, another embodiment of a dip tube 620 include aflared inlet 622 having circular apertures 624 and a connector 626associated with an outlet 628.

Referring now to FIG. 6C, another embodiment of a dip tube 640 include atriangular inlet 642 having wire mesh 644 and a connector 646 associatedwith an outlet 648.

Referring now to FIG. 6D, another embodiment of a dip tube 660 include arectangular flared inlet 662 having circular apertures 664 and aconnector 666 associated with an outlet 668.

Control Unit

Referring now to FIG. 7A, an embodiment of a control unit 700 is shownto include an ON/OFF button 702, a first amount selection button 704, asecond amount selection button 706 and a speaker 708. Alternatively, thebuttons 702, 704, and 706 may be replaced by a dial selector. Thebuttons 702, 704, and 706 produce output signals that are forwarded tothe processing unit or microprocessing unit, which controls the otherwand components to dispense an amount of fluid from the fluid container.The processing unit or the microprocessing unit may send signals to thespeaker 708 that may also notify the user concerning fluid remaining inthe container or when an amount of fluid has been dispenses.

Referring now to FIG. 7B, another embodiment of a control unit 510 isshown to include an ON/OFF button 512, a first amount selection button514, a variable amount slider controller 516, a speaker 518, andindicator LEDs 520. The buttons 712 and 714, and the slider controller716 produce output signals that are forwarded to the processing unit orthe microprocessing unit, which controls the other wand components todispense an amount of fluid from the fluid container. The LEDs 720receive output from the processing unit or the microprocessing unit toindicate the amount of fluid remaining in the fluid container. Incertain embodiments, the right LED is a green LED and indicates that thefluid in the fluid container is between fluid and ¼ full. The middle LEDis a yellow LED indicates that the fluid is the container is below ¼full and ⅛ full. The left LED is a red LED indicates that the fluid isless than ⅛ full. These colors are used to notify the user as to thefluid level in the container. The processing unit or the microprocessingunit may send signals to the speaker 718 that may also notify the userconcerning fluid remaining in the container or when an amount of fluidhas been dispenses.

Referring now to FIG. 7C, another embodiment of a control unit 730 isshown to include an ON/OFF button 732, a display 734, a speaker 736, andindicator LEDs 738. The buttons 732 and the display 734 produce outputsignals that are forwarded to the processing unit or the microprocessingunit, which controls the other wand components to dispense an amount offluid from the fluid container. The display 734 also receives outputsignals from the processing unit or the microprocessing unit anddisplays information to the user as to amount of fluid dispensed andother information. The LEDs 738 receive output from the processing unitor the microprocessing unit to indicate the amount of fluid remaining inthe fluid container. In certain embodiments, the right LED is a greenLED and indicates that the fluid in the fluid container is between fluidand ¼ full. The middle LED is a yellow LED indicates that the fluid isthe container is below ¼ full and ⅛ full. The left LED is a red LEDindicates that the fluid is less than ⅛ full. These colors are used tonotify the user as to the fluid level in the container. The processingunit or the microprocessing unit may send signals to the speaker 736that may also notify the user concerning fluid remaining in thecontainer or when an amount of fluid has been dispenses.

Referring now to FIG. 7D, another embodiment of a control unit 750 isshown to include a display 752 and a speaker 754. The processing unit orthe microprocessing unit may send signals to the speaker 754 that mayalso notify the user concerning fluid remaining in the container or whenan amount of fluid has been dispenses. The display 752 sends signals tothe processing unit and receives signals from the processing unit or themicroprocessing unit concerning the dispensing of fluids and notifyingthe user about fluid levels and amount or amount of fluid or fluidsdispensed.

Referring now to FIG. 7E, another embodiment of a control unit 760 isshown to include a display 762, a speaker 764, and LEDs 766. Theprocessing unit or the microprocessing unit may send signals to thespeaker 764 that may also notify the user concerning fluid remaining inthe container or when an amount of fluid has been dispenses. The display762 sends signals to the processing unit or the microprocessing unit andreceives signals from the processing unit or the microprocessing unitconcerning the dispensing of fluids and notifying the user about fluidlevels and amount or amount of fluid or fluids dispensed. The LEDs 766receive output from the processing unit or the microprocessing unit toindicate the amount of fluid remaining in the fluid container. Incertain embodiments, the right LED is a green LED and indicates that thefluid in the fluid container is between fluid and ¼ full. The middle LEDis a yellow LED indicates that the fluid is the container is below ¼full and ⅛ full. The left LED is a red LED indicates that the fluid isless than ⅛ full. These colors are used to notify the user as to thefluid level in the container.

Referring now to FIG. 7F, another embodiment of a control unit 780 isshown to include a display 782. The display 782 sends signals to theprocessing unit or the microprocessing unit and receives signals fromthe processing unit or the microprocessing unit concerning thedispensing of fluids and notifying the user about fluid levels andamount or amount of fluid or fluids dispensed.

General Apparatus—Second Type

Apparatus with a Single Reservoir

Referring now to FIG. 8 , another embodiment of dispensing apparatus ofthis disclosure, generally 800, is shown to include a housing 802containing a fluid reservoir 804 including a cap 806, a neck 808, afluid outlet 810, and drainage ramps 812. The apparatus 800 alsoincludes a flow controller 814 connected to the fluid outlet 810 via afluid conduit 816. The flow controller 814 is in fluid communicationwith a pump 818 having an outlet 820. The apparatus 800 also includes acontrol panel 822 and a power supply 824 having a power cord 826 havinga plug 828. The power supply 824 is connected to the panel 822, the flowcontroller 814 and the pump 818 via wires 830. The control panel 822includes a microprocessor (not shown) and may be of any of theconfiguration depicted in FIGS. 7A-F.

The apparatus 800 also includes a handheld fluid dispensing device orwand 840 including a wand housing 842 containing a control valve 844, awand control panel 846, and a dispensing conduit 848 having a nozzle850. The control valve 844 is connected to the outlet 820 of the pump818 via a flexible fluid conduit 852. The wand 840 also includes a powersupply 854. The power supply 854 is connected to the wand panel 846 andthe control valve 844 via wires 856. The wand control panel 846 includesa microprocessor (not shown) and may be of any of the configurationdepicted in FIGS. 7A-F.

Apparatus with Two Reservoirs

Referring now to FIG. 9 , another embodiment of dispensing apparatus ofthis disclosure, generally 900, is shown to include a housing 902containing two fluid reservoirs 904 a&b including caps 906 a&b, necks908 a&b, fluid outlets 910 a&b, and drainage ramps 912 a&b. Theapparatus 900 also includes two flow controllers 914 connected to thefluid outlets 910 a&b via fluid conduit 916 a&b. The flow controllers914 a&b are in fluid communication with a pump 918 having an outlet 920.The apparatus 900 also includes a control panel 922 and a power supply924 having a power cord 926 having a plug 928. The power supply 924 isconnected to the panel 922, the flow controllers 914 a&b and the pump918 via wires 930. The control panel 922 includes a microprocessor (notshown) and may be of any of the configuration depicted in FIGS. 7A-F.

The apparatus 900 also includes a handheld fluid dispensing device orwand 940 including a wand housing 942 containing a control valve 944, awand control panel 946, and a dispensing conduit 948 having a nozzle950. The control valve 944 is connected to the outlet 920 of the pump918 via a flexible fluid conduit 952. The wand 940 also includes a powersupply 954. The power supply 954 is connected to the wand panel 946 andthe control valve 944 via wires 956. The wand control panel 946 includesa microprocessor (not shown) and may be of any of the configurationdepicted in FIGS. 7A-F.

Apparatus with Three Reservoirs

Referring now to FIG. 10 , another embodiment of dispensing apparatus ofthis disclosure, generally 1000, is shown to include a housing 1002containing two fluid reservoirs 1004 a-c including caps 1006 a-c, necks1008 a-c, fluid outlets 1010 a-c, and drainage ramps 1012 a-c. Theapparatus 1000 also includes three flow controllers 1014 connected tothe fluid outlets 1010 a-c via fluid conduit 1016 a-c. The apparatus1000 also includes a mixing chamber 1017 interposed between the flowcontrollers 1014 a-c and the pump 1018. The flow controllers 1014 a-care in fluid communication with a pump 1018 having an outlet 1020. Theapparatus 1000 also includes a control panel 1022 and a power supply1024 having a power cord 1026 having a plug 1028. The power supply 1024is connected to the panel 1022, the flow controllers 1014 a-c and thepump 1018 via wires 1030. The control panel 1022 includes amicroprocessor (not shown) and may be of any of the configurationdepicted in FIGS. 7A-F.

The apparatus 1000 also includes a handheld fluid dispensing device orwand 1040 including a wand housing 1042 containing a control valve 1044,a wand control panel 1046, and a dispensing conduit 1048 having a nozzle1050. The control valve 1044 is connected to the outlet 1020 of the pump1018 via a flexible fluid conduit 1052. The wand 1040 also includes apower supply 1054. The power supply 1054 is connected to the wand panel1046 and the control valve 1044 via wires 1056. The wand control panel1046 includes a microprocessor (not shown) and may be of any of theconfiguration depicted in FIGS. 7A-F.

In FIGS. 8-10 , the reservoirs 804, 904 a&b, and 1004 a-c may bereplaced by container receptacles containing different fluids. In suchembodiments, the caps 806, 906 a&b, and 1006 a-c would include dip tubesas shown above and the conduits 816, 916 a&b, and 1016 a-c would extendfrom the dip tubes to the flow controllers 814, 914 a&b, and 1014 a-c.

Apparatus with Two Reservoirs

Referring now to FIG. 11 , another embodiment of dispensing apparatus ofthis disclosure, generally 1100, is shown to include a housing 1102, twofluid reservoirs 1104 a&b including caps 1106 a&b, fluid outlets 1110a&b, and drainage ramps 1112 a-c. The apparatus 1100 also includes twoflow controllers 1114 a&b connected to the fluid outlets 1110 a&b viafluid conduit 1116 a&b. The flow controllers 1114 a&b are in fluidcommunication with a pump 1118 having an outlet 1120. The apparatus 1100also includes a control panel 1122 and a power supply 1124 having apower cord 1126 having a plug 1128. The power supply 1124 is connectedto the panel 1122, the flow controllers 1114 a&b and the pump 1118 viawires 1130. The control panel 1122 includes a microprocessor (not shown)and may be of any of the configuration depicted in FIGS. 7A-F.

The apparatus 1100 also includes a handheld fluid dispensing device orwand 1140 including a wand housing 1142 containing a control valve 1144,a wand control panel 1146, and a dispensing conduit 1148 having a nozzle1150. The control valve 1144 is connected to the outlet 1120 of the pump1118 via a flexible fluid conduit 1152. The wand 1140 also includes apower supply 1154. The power supply 1154 is connected to the wand panel1146 and the control valve 1144 via wires 1156. The wand control panel1146 includes a microprocessor (not shown) and may be of any of theconfiguration depicted in FIGS. 7A-F.

Apparatus with a Single Reservoir and a Pipette

Referring now to FIGS. 12A&B, another embodiment of dispensing apparatusof this disclosure, generally 1200, is shown to include a fluidreservoir 1202 including a cap 1204, wherein the cap 1204 is speciallydesigned to work with an electronic pipette 1206 having a body 1208 anda pipette inlet/outlet 1210.

Apparatus with a Single Reservoir

Referring now to FIG. 13 , another embodiment of a fluid dispensingapparatus of this disclosure, generally 1300, is shown to include afluid container 1302 including a cap 1304 having a dip tube 1306including a fluid inlet 1308 with radial slits 1310, a handle 1312, anda ramp 1314 as shown in the cutout area 1316.

The apparatus 1300 also includes a fluid dispensing device or wand 1320including a fluid inlet connector 1322, an inlet fluid conduit 1324, apump 1326, an outlet 1328, and an outlet fluid conduit 1330. The inletfluid conduit 1324 connects the dip let 1306 to the pump 1326. Theoutlet fluid conduit 1332 connects that outlet 1328 to the pump 1326.The wand 1320 also includes a battery based power supply 1334 withbatteries 1336, a microprocessor 1338, and a dispensing trigger 1340.The wand 1320 may also include a flow meter (not shown). The powersupply 1334 supplies power to the microprocessor 1338, the pump 1326,the optional flow meter, and the trigger 1340 via electrical wires 1342.The microprocessor 1338 is in two-way communication via communicationwires 1344 with the pump 1326, the optional flow meter, and the trigger1340 and is configured to receive an output signal or signals from thetrigger 1340, and to turn the pump 1326 ON or OFF. If the wand 1320includes a flow meter to monitor fluid flow through the flow meter andto turn the pump 1326 OFF when the flow meter output indicates that apre-defined or pre-set amount of fluid has passed through the flowmeter. Of course, it should be recognized that the pump 1326 and flowmeter may be integrated into a single metering pump. Additionally, themicroprocessor 1338 is also configured to keep track of the amount offluid dispensed and to notify a user when the fluid in the containercontaining the fluid is low and needs to be replaced and/or refilled.The apparatus 1300 also may includes a flexible fluid conduit asdescribed above.

Apparatus with a Single Reservoir

Referring now to FIG. 14 , another embodiment of a fluid dispensingapparatus of this disclosure, generally 1400, is shown to include ahousing 1402 including a container receiving structure 1404 including aninlet connector 1406 having an inlet fluid conduit 1408 connect to asolenoid 1410 including an inlet connector 1412, and an outlet connector1414. The housing 1402 also includes a solenoid outlet conduit 1416connect to an housing fluid outlet connector 1418 terminating in aflexible conduit 1420. The housing 1402 also includes feet 1422 and anair grill 1424 and air flow channels 1426.

The housing 1402 also includes a fluid level sensor 1428 and a powersupply 1430 having a power cord connector 1432 through which a powercord 1434 extends and having a plug 1436. The housing 1402 also includesa microprocessor 1438. The power supply 1430 provide power to themicroprocessor 1438 and to the solenoid 1410 via wires 1440. Themicroprocessor 1438 is in two-way communication with the solenoid 1410and the sensor 1428 via communication wires 1442.

The apparatus 1400 also includes a replaceable fluid container 1444including a neck 1446 ending in an outlet connector 1448 having a fluidoutlet 1450. The outlet connector 1448 and the fluid outlet 1450 areadapted to engage the inlet connector 1406 and the inlet fluid conduit1408. The sensor 1428 supplies information to the microprocessor 1438 sothat a user may be informed when the fluid level is low or the container1444 is empty.

The apparatus 1400 also includes a handheld fluid dispensing device orwand 1460 connected to the flexible conduit 1420 and includes a batterypack 1462, a wand control panel 1464, and a dispensing outlet nozzle1466. The housing also includes a wand bracket 1468 for storing the wand1460 when it is not being used. The wand 1460 and the control panel 1464may be any wand or control panel described therein. Of course, the wand1460 may be connected to the power supply 1430 via a wire (not shown)attached to the flexible conduit 1420.

Apparatus with a Single Reservoir

Referring now to FIG. 15 , another embodiment of a fluid dispensingapparatus of this disclosure, generally 1500, is shown to include afluid container 1502 including a cap 1504, an inlet conduit 1506, aninterior 1508, an outlet fluid conduit 1510 including a wire mesh fluidinlet 1512, a male outlet quick connector 1514 associated with theoutlet fluid conduit 1510, a wand bracket 1516, and a ramp 1518.

The apparatus 1500 also includes a control unit 1550 having a controlpane 11552 comprising a touchscreen. The control unit 1550 also includesa female inlet quick connector 1554, a inlet fluid conduit 1556, and afluid outlet 1558 connected to a flexible fluid conduit 1560. Thecontrol unit 1550 also includes a microprocessor (not shown), a powersupply (not shown), a pump (not shown) and may include a flow control(not shown), all of these components may be any of the componentsdescribed in any of the embodiments therein. The apparatus 1500 alsoincludes a handheld fluid dispensing device or wand 1562 including anfluid inlet connector 1564, a fluid outlet 1566, and a dispenser trigger1568. The wand 1562 may also include any of the components of the wandsdescribed in any of the embodiments herein.

Apparatus with Two Single Reservoirs

Referring now to FIG. 16 , another embodiment of a fluid dispensingapparatus of this disclosure, generally 1600, is shown to include ahousing 1602 including two fluid container receiving members 1604 a&badapted to receive two fluid containers 1606 a&b. The housing 1602 alsoincludes a fluid outlet connector 1608, a flexible conduit bracket 1610,a flexible coiled fluid conduit 1612, a wand bracket 1614, a controlpanel 1616, and a plurality of control buttons 1618. The apparatus 1600also includes a wand 1620 including a hanger 1622, a fluid inlet 1624, afluid outlet 1626, a Start button, a 1 button, a 2 button, and a 3button connected for starting fluid flow, select which fluid or acombination of both fluids; of course, the wand may be any wanddescribed herein.

The apparatus 1600 may also include a microprocessor (not shown), apower supply (not shown), a pump (not shown) and flow controls (notshown), or any other components described in any of the embodimentstherein. The wand 1620 may also include any of the components of thewands described in any of the embodiments herein.

Apparatus with Three Reservoirs

Referring now to FIGS. 17A&B, another embodiment of a fluid dispensingapparatus of this disclosure, generally 1700, is shown to include aremovable housing 1702 and a stationary housing 1704 including feet1706. The removable housing 1702 includes fluid sight windows or slots1708 a-c. The apparatus 1700 also includes three fluid containers 1710a-c including container fluid connectors 1712 a-c having fluid outlet1714 a-c as shown in FIG. 17B, where the removable housing 1702 has beenremoved. The apparatus 1700 also include a wand receiving slot or area1716 including a handheld wand 1718 positioned therein. The wand 1718includes three selector buttons 1, 2, and 3 for selecting the fluid, adispensing button 1720 and wireless communication hardware andassociated software. The wand 1718 may also include a power supply suchas batteries or a wire from a power supply in the apparatus 1700. Theremovable housing 1702 also include a control panel 1722 including anON/OFF button 1724 and a support button 1726. The wand 1718 alsoincludes a fluid inlet connector 1727.

The stationary housing 1704 includes three housing fluid connectors 1728a-c designed to receive the container connectors 1712 a-c and includinginlet conduits 1730 a-c. The inlet conduits 1730 a-c are connected toflow controllers 1732 a-c including outlet fittings 1734 a-c. The outletfittings 1734 a-c are connected to fluid conduits 1736 a-c. Thestationary housing 1704 includes a pump 1738 including pump inlets 1740a-c into which the conduits 1736 a-c terminate and an outlet 1742 and anoutlet conduit 1744. The apparatus 1700 also includes a control unit andpower supply 1746 having a power cord 1748 having a plug 1750. Thecontrol unit/power supply 1746 is connected to the control panel 1722,the flow controllers 1732 a-c and the pump 1738 via wires 1752. Thecontrol panel 1746 includes a microprocessor (not shown) and may be ofany of the configuration described herein. The stationary housing 1704also includes a bracket 1754 for a spool 1756 mounted on a shaft 1758supported in the bracket 1754. The spool 1756 spools a length of theoutlet conduit 1744. The stationary housing 1704 also includes an outletfitting 1760. The outlet conduit 1744 is connected to the wand connector1727. The stationary housing 1704 also include an air grill 1762including air slits 1764.

Apparatus with Three Reservoirs

Referring now to FIG. 18 , another embodiment of a fluid dispensingapparatus of this disclosure, generally 1800, is shown to include ahousing 1802 including a window 1804, an access door 1806 having ahandle 1808 and three containers 1810 a-c including outlet connectors1812 a-c having fluid conduits 1814 a-c. The housing 1802 also includesinlet flow controllers 1816 a-c. The flow controllers 1816 a-c areconnected to a fluid conduit 1818. The apparatus 1800 also includes asolenoid or pump 1820 including a solenoid inlet 1822 connected to theconduit 1818, and a solenoid outlet 1824 connected to an outlet conduit1826. The housing 1802 also includes a panel 1828 including atouchscreen 1830, a conduit fitting 1832 through which the conduit 1826passes, and a wand receiver 1834 having a wand 1836 deposited therein.The wand 1836 includes an inlet connector 1838 to which the conduit 1826connects. The apparatus 1800 also includes a power supply 1840 connectedto a power cord 1842 having a plug 1844 and passing through a powerfitting 1846. The apparatus 1800 also includes a controller 1848 havinga microprocessor (not shown). The power supply 1840 supplies power tothe solenoid 1820, the touchscreen 1830, and the flow controllers 1816a-c via power wires 1850. The controller 1848 is connected to thesolenoid 1820, the touchscreen 1830, and the flow controllers 1816 a-cvia 2-way communication wires 1852.

Washing Machine with Three Container Fluid Dispenser

Referring now to FIG. 19 , an embodiment of a washing machine apparatus,generally 1900, is shown to include a washing machine 1902 having awashing machine control panel 1904 for controlling the washing machine(controls not shown), a door 1906 having a handle 1908. The apparatus1900 also includes a fluid dispensing unit 1910. The fluid dispensingunit 1910 includes a microprocessor 1912 and control buttons 1914, wherethe microprocessor 1912 and buttons 1914 are connected to the powersupply of the washing machine (not shown). The unit 1910 also includesthree fluid reservoirs 1916 a-c and three covers 1918 a-c having handles1920 a-c for opening the covers 1918 a-c to add fluid into thereservoirs 1916 a-c. The unit 1910 also includes conduits 1922 a-cconnecting the reservoirs 1914 a-c to fluid flow controllers 1924 a-c,which may also include pumps, but because the reservoirs are above theflow controllers, gravity may be sufficient to provide the neededpressure for adequate fluid flow. The controllers 1922 a-c are connectedto discharge conduits 1926 a-c for discharging fluids into the interiorof the washing machine 1902. The microprocessor 1912 controls thecontrollers 1924 a-c and the buttons 1914 via communication wires 1928.It should be recognized that the microprocessor 1926 and the buttons1928 may be integrated into the washing machine controls. The unit 1910is designed to dispense laundry detergent, softener, or stain fluids orother fluids into the washing machine according to the buttons pushed.Of course, the buttons may be replaced by any controller describedherein.

Distributed Washing Fluid Dispenser for Laundry Mats

Referring now to FIG. 20A, an embodiment of a laundry mat system of thisdisclosure, generally 2000, is shown to include a plurality of washingmachines 2002 a-1 including doors 2004 a-1 having handles 2006 a-1,control panels 2008 a-1, and three different fluid inlets 2010 a-1, 2012a-1, and 2014 a-1. The system 2000 also includes a fluid dispensing unit2020 including three different outlets 2022, 2024, and 2026 and threedifferent fluid conduits 2028, 2030, and 2032.

Referring now to FIG. 20B, the unit 2020 also includes three pump andfluid flow controllers 2034, 2036, and 2038 for controlling the fluidflow to the washing machines 2002 a-1. The unit 2020 also include fluidreservoirs 2040, 2042, and 2044. The reservoir 2040 includes a refillingdoor 2045 and outlets 2046; the reservoir 2042 includes a refilling door2047 and outlets 2048; and the reservoir 2044 includes a refilling door2049 and outlets 2050. The unit 2020 includes conduits 2052, 2054, and2056, where the conduit 2052 interconnects the reservoir 2040 to thepump/controllers 2034, the conduit 2054 interconnects the reservoir 2042to the pump/controllers 2036, the reservoir 2044 to the pump/controllers2038. The unit 2020 also includes a power supply 2058 including a cord2060 having a plug 2062 and a processor 2064. The power supply 2058supplies power to the pump/controllers 2034, 2036, and 2038 and theprocessor 2064 via power wires 2066. The processor 2064 controls thepump/controllers 2034, 2036, and 2038 via communication wires 2068. Theprocessor 2064 is in wire less or wired communication with the washingmachines 2002 a-1.

When a user enters liquid commands via the washing machine controlpanels 2008 a-1, the liquid commands are transmitted via the wirelesscommunication or wired communication to the processor 2064 which issuesinstruction to the appropriate pump/controllers 2034, 2036, and 2038 todispense the appropriate type and volume of fluid to the washingmachines 2002 a-1. Of course, each washing machine may be configured asshown in FIG. 19 . All payments for use of the fluids may be affectedvia coin apparatuses well known in the art or via credit or debit cardtransactions or via automated account debiting. It should also berecognized that the apparatus of FIGS. 20A&B may include containersdedicated to specific detergents, softeners, or other laundry fluids,where the control panel of each washing machine may permit the consumerto select the type of laundry detergent, softener, and other fluid to beused.

Washing Machine Embodiments Including a Dispensing Apparatus Connectedto Cold and Hot Water Lines

Washing Machine Dispensing Apparatus

Referring to FIGS. 21A-H, another embodiment of a washing machine fluiddispensing apparatus, generally 2100, shown in multiple views.

Looking at FIG. 21A, a front perspective view and a front plan view ofthe apparatus 2100 is shown to include a housing 2102. The apparatus2100 also includes three substantially rectangular solid fluid/liquidcontainers 2104 a-c, three container receiving slot 2106 a-c, and threecontainer release buttons 2108 a-c disposed in a front, left portion2110 of the apparatus 2100.

The apparatus 2100 also includes a touch screen 2112, a concierge button2114, and one or more USB ports 2116 disposed in a front, right portion2118 of the apparatus 2100 all in communication with a processor 2119including an operating system, memory, peripheral ports, andcommunication hardware and software. The apparatus 2100 also includes aright side cold water inlet 2120 and a right side cold water inletfitting 2122 and a right side hot water inlet 2124 and a right side hotwater inlet fitting 2126 disposed on a right side portion 2128 of theapparatus 2100. The apparatus 2100 also includes a power supply 2190including a power chord 2192 ending in a wall plug 2194.

Looking at FIG. 21B, a perspective view of an interior 2130 of theapparatus 2100 is shown to include a left side cold water outlet 2132, aleft side cold water outlet fitting 2134, a left side hot water outlet2136, and a left side hot water outlet fitting 2138 disposed in a leftside portion 2140. The apparatus 2100 also includes a cold water conduit2142 and a hot water conduit 2144. The apparatus 2100 also includesthree fluid injection assemblies 2200 a-c for introducing the fluidsfrom the three containers 2104 a-c into either the cold water conduit2142 and/or the hot water conduit 2144.

Looking at FIG. 21C, a front plan view of the apparatus 2100 showing allthree containers 2104 a-c in place in their slots 2106 a-c.

Looking at FIG. 21D, a view of the apparatus 2100 along cutting line A-Ais shown and FIG. 21E shows an expanded view of the region AA. The viewof FIG. 21D shows the interior 2130, the container 2104 c in itscontainer slot 2106 c, the injector assembly 2200 c, the cold conduit2142 and the hot water conduit 2144. The container 2104 c includes acontainer fluid connector 2148 c and its corresponding slot fluidconnector 2150 c. The apparatus 2100 also includes a fluid connectingconduit 2152 c connecting the slot connector 2152 c to the cold conduit2142 and hot conduit 2144 and the injector assembly 2200 c. Theconnecting conduit 2152 c includes a curved section 2154 c ending in acurved section check valve 2156 c, a straight section 2158 c including astraight section check valve 2160 c, and a T 2162 c including a coldwater check valve 2164 c and a hot water check valve 2166 c. The T 2164c also includes a control valve 2168 c for directing fluid flow intoeither the cold conduit 2140, hot conduit 2142 or both. The releasebutton 2108 c includes a release arm 2170 c having a locking end 2172 c.The container receiving slot 2106 c includes a locking end receivingslots 2174 c.

Looking at FIG. 21F, a front plan view of the apparatus 2100 showing thecontainer 2104 b removed from its container receiving slot 1206 b, thecontainer 2104 b being removed from its slot 2106 a and the container2104 c in place in its slot 2106 c. The container 2104 a includes thecontainer fluid connector 2148 a.

Looking at FIG. 21G, a view of the apparatus 2100 along cutting line A-Ais shown and FIG. 21H shows an expanded view of the region AA. The viewof FIG. 21D shows the interior 2130, the container 2104 a being removedfrom its container slot 2106 a, the injector assembly 2200 a, the coldconduit 2142 and the hot water conduit 2144. The container 2104 aincludes the container fluid connector 2148 c and its corresponding slotfluid connector 2150 a. The apparatus 2100 also includes the fluidconnecting conduit 2152 a connecting the slot connector 2152 a to thecold conduit 2142 and hot conduit 2144 and the injector assembly 2200 a.The connecting conduit 2152 a includes a curved section 2154 c ending ina curved section check valve 2156 a, a straight section 2158 a includinga straight section check valve 2160 a, and a T 2162 a including a coldwater check valve 2164 a and a hot water check valve 2166 a. The T 2164a also includes a control valve 2168 a for directing fluid flow intoeither the cold conduit 2140, hot conduit 2142 or both. The releasebutton 2108 a includes a release arm 2170 a having a locking end 2172 a.The container receiving slot 2106 a includes a locking end receivingslots 2174 a.

Referring to FIGS. 22A-C, several views of the injector or pumpassemblies 2200 a-c shown. Each of the injector or pump assemblies 2200a-c includes a motor 2202 including a motor shaft 2204. Each of theinjector or pump assemblies 2204 a-c also includes a syringe injector2206. The syringe injector 2206 includes a threaded syringe shaft 2208,which is rotationally connected to the motor shaft 2204 via a collar2210. Each of the injector or pump assemblies 2210 a-c also includes asyringe plunger 2212. The plunger 2212 includes a plunger slideattachment 2214 and a threaded plunger slide 2216 disposed on a top 2218of the plunger 2212 and a plunger pad 2220 disposed on a bottom 2222 ofthe plunger 2212.

The injector or pump assemblies 2200 a-c operate by pulling fluid fromthe containers 2104 a-c through the curved conduit sections 2154 a-c ofthe connecting conduits 2150 a-c, where the curved section check valves2156 a-c permit fluid flow in a forward direction and stops back flow.The pulling of the fluid is caused by upward motion of the syringeplunger 2212 due to the motor 2202 rotating the threaded plunger shaft2208 raising the plunger 2212. Once a desired amount of fluid pulledinto the syringe injector 2206, the motor 2202 reverses direction andpushes the fluid in the syringe injector 2206 through the straightsection 2158 through the straight section check valve 2160 througheither the cold water check valve 2164, the hot water check valve 2166or both of the T 2162 and into either the cold water conduit 2142, thehot water conduit 2144 or both based on the control valve 2168 setting.Again, the check valves 2156, 2160, 2164, and 2166 all allow fluid flowonly in the forward direction and stop back flow.

While the injector or pump assemblies 2200 a-c are shown here as syringeinjectors 2206 operated by a rotary motor, the injector or pumpassemblies 2200 a-c may be any the of injector or pump assembly thatdraws fluid from the container 2104 a-c and injects the fluid into thecold conduit 2142, the hot conduit 2144, or both in a controlled manner.Other injector or pump assemblies 2200 a-c may be based on centrifugalpumps, diaphragm pumps, gear pumps, peristaltic pumps, lobe pumps,piston pumps, or any other type of pump or fluid or liquid injectorassembly.

Electronics Included in the Apparatuses of FIGS. 21 and 22

Referring now to FIG. 23 , the electronics including with theapparatuses of FIGS. 21 and 22 , generally 2300, is shown to include apower supply 2302, a processing unit or a microprocessing unit 2304, atouch screen 2306, a concierge button 2308, USB ports 2310, injectormotors 2312, and control valves 2314. The power supply 2302 providespower to the processing unit or the microprocessing unit 2302, the touchscreen 2306, the concierge button 2308, the USB ports 2310, injectormotors 2312 (which may be pumps), and the control valves 2314 via powersupply lines 2316. The processing unit or the microprocessing unit 2304is in bi-direction communication with the touch screen 2306, theconcierge button 2308, the USB ports 2310, injector motors 2312 (whichmay be pumps), and the control valves 2314 via communication links 2318.

The Apparatuses of FIGS. 21 and 22 Attached to a Washing Machine

Referring now to FIGS. 24A&B, a front and back view of an embodiment ofa washing machine apparatus, generally 2400, is shown to include awashing machine 2402 having a washing machine control panel 2404 forcontrolling the washing machine (controls not shown), and a door 2406having a handle 2408. The apparatus 2400 also includes a fluiddispensing unit 2410. The fluid dispensing unit 2410 includes threesubstantially rectangular solid fluid/liquid containers 2412 a-c, threecontainer receiving slot 2414 a-c, and three container release buttons2416 a-c.

The fluid dispensing unit 2410 includes a touch screen 2418, a conciergebutton 2420, and one or more USB ports 2422, all in communication with aprocessor (not shown) including an operating system, memory, peripheralports, and communication hardware and software described in FIG. 23 .

The fluid dispensing unit 2410 also includes a cold water conduit 2424having a cold water conduit inlet fitting 2426 and a cold water conduitoutlet fitting 2428 and a hot water conduit 2430 having a hot waterconduit inlet fitting 2432 and a hot water conduit outlet fitting 2434.

The fluid dispensing unit 2410 also includes three fluid injectionassemblies 2436 a-c for introducing the fluids from the three containers2412 a-c into either the cold water conduit 2424 and/or the hot waterconduit 2430 as described above.

The apparatus 2400 also includes a cold water supply line 2438 having acold water supply line fitting 2440 engaging the right cold water inletfitting 2426 and a hot water supply line 2442 having a hot water supplyline fitting 2444 engaging the right hot water inlet fitting 2432.

The apparatus 2400 also includes a cold water transfer line 2446 havinga cold water transfer line inlet fitting 2448 engaging the left coldwater outlet fitting 2428 and a cold water transfer line outlet fitting2450. The apparatus 2400 also includes a hot water transfer line 2452having a hot water transfer line inlet fitting 2454 engaging the lefthot water outlet fitting 2434 and a hot water transfer line outletfitting 2456.

The apparatus 2400 also includes a washing machine cold water inletfitting 2458 engaging the cold water transfer line outlet 2450 and awashing machine hot water inlet fitting 2460 engaging the hot watertransfer line outlet 2456.

The Apparatuses of FIGS. 21 and 22 Integrated into a Washing Machine

Referring now to FIG. 25 , an embodiment of a washing machine apparatus,generally 2500, is shown to include a washing machine 2502 having awashing machine control panel 2504 for controlling the washing machine(controls not shown), a door 2506 having a handle 2508. The apparatus2500 also includes a fluid dispensing unit 2510. The fluid dispensingunit 2510 includes three substantially rectangular solid fluid/liquidcontainers 2512 a-c, three container receiving slot 2514 a-c, and threecontainer release buttons 2516 a-c.

The fluid dispensing unit 2510 includes a touch screen 2518, a conciergebutton 2520, and one or more USB ports 2522, all in communication with aprocessor (not shown) including an operating system, memory, peripheralports, and communication hardware and software described in FIG. 23 .

The fluid dispensing unit 2510 also includes a cold water conduit 2524having a cold water conduit inlet fitting 2526 and a cold water conduitoutlet fitting 2528 and a hot water conduit 2530 having a hot waterconduit inlet fitting 2532 and a hot water conduit outlet fitting 2534.

The fluid dispensing unit 2510 also includes three fluid injectionassemblies 2536 a-c for introducing the fluids from the three containers2512 a-c into either the cold water conduit 2524 and/or the hot waterconduit 2530 as described above.

The apparatus 2500 also includes a cold water supply line 2538 having acold water supply line fitting 2540 engaging the right cold water inletfitting 2526 and a hot water supply line 2542 having a hot water supplyline fitting 2544 engaging the right hot water inlet fitting 2532.

The apparatus 2500 also includes a cold water transfer line 2546 havinga cold water transfer line inlet fitting 2548 engaging the left coldwater outlet fitting 2528 and a cold water transfer line outlet fitting2550. The apparatus 2500 also includes a hot water transfer line 2552having a hot water transfer line inlet fitting 2554 engaging the lefthot water outlet fitting 2534 and a hot water transfer line outletfitting 2556.

The apparatus 2500 also includes a washing machine cold water inletfitting 2558 engaging the cold water transfer line outlet 2550 and awashing machine hot water inlet fitting 2560 engaging the hot watertransfer line outlet 2556.

In certain embodiments, the injection assemblies in any of theembodiments of FIGS. 21-25 may include a flow controller for monitoringfluid flow out of the pumps or injectors.

Pool Including Chemical Hub Apparatus

Referring now to FIG. 26 , a pool 2600 including a circulating pump 2602having a pump inlet 2604 and a pump outlet 2606, a filter 2608 having afilter inlet 2610 and a filter outlet 2612, and a PCH apparatus of thisdisclosure 2614 including a PCH inlet 2616 and a PCH outlet 2618.

The pool 2600 also includes a drain 2620 connected to a drain conduit2622 and a pool skimmer 2624 connected to a skimmer conduit 2626. Thedrain conduit 2622 and the skimmer conduit 2626 are connected to areturn conduit 2628.

The return conduit 2628 is connected to the pump inlet 2604. The pumpoutlet 2606 is connected to the filter inlet 2610 via a filter conduit2630. The filter outlet 2612 is connected to the apparatus inlet 2616via a PCH conduit 2632.

The pool 2600 also includes three pool returns 2634 (generally includinga directional nozzle not shown). The returns 2634 are connected to thePCH outlet 2618 via a PCH return conduit 2636.

The circulating pump 2602 circulates pool water from the pool 2600through the skimmer 2624 and/or the drain 2620 to the filter 2608, fromthe filter 2608 to the apparatus 2614, where the water is tested and ifnecessary one or more pool chemicals are introduced into the water, andfrom the apparatus 2614 through the PCH return conduit 2636 and out ofthe returns 2634.

Embodiments of a Pool Chemical Hub (PCH) Apparatus

FIGS. 27A-C depict embodiments of PCH apparatuses of this disclosure.

Looking at FIG. 27A, a PCH apparatus, generally 2700, is shown toinclude a slab 2702 having slab threaded holes 2704 and a base 2706having apertures 2708 and threaded bolts 2710 to engage the threadedslab holes 2704 securing the base 2706 to the slab 2702. The base 2706also includes a water inlet lower portion 2712, a water outlet lowerportion 2714, and base connectors 2716.

The PCH apparatus 2700 also includes a cover 2718 having coverconnectors 2720 adapted to engage the base connectors 2716 to secure thecover 2718 to the base 2706. The base connectors 2716 and the coverconnectors 2720 may be any type of connectors such as latch typeconnectors, spring connectors, wingnut connectors, snap connectors, orany other type of detachable connector. The cover 2718 also includes aninlet upper portion 2722 and an outlet upper portion 2724, wherein theinlet lower portion 2712 and the inlet upper portion 2722 hold anapparatus water inlet 2726 and the outlet lower portion 2714 and theoutlet upper portion 2724 hold an apparatus water outlet 2728.

In certain embodiments, the base 2706 may also include a base groove2730 and the cover 2718 may include a cover tongue 2732 adapted toengage the base groove 2722, which may obviate the need for the base andcover connectors 2716 and 2720, respectively.

Looking at FIG. 27B, a 3D perspective rendering of the PCH apparatus ofFIG. 27A is shown.

Looking at FIG. 27C, the apparatus 2700 of Figure FIG. 27A is shown inan exploded perspective view showing all internal components housedwithin the cover 2718 and supported by the base 2706 and the slab 2702.The PCH apparatus 2700 includes the slab 2702, the treaded slab holes2704 and the base 2706 having the lower inlet portion 2712 and the loweroutlet portion 2714.

The PCH apparatus 2700 also includes a chemical testing and introductionassembly 2800. The assembly 2800 includes the apparatus water inlet2726, the water outlet 2728, a water conduit 2802 having a chemicalinput ports 2804, and a test loop conduit 2806 having control valves2808 a&b and chemical sensors 2810.

The PCH apparatus 2700 also includes a control unit 2900 includes apower cable inlet 2902, a power cable 2904 having a plug 2906 (notshown), power supply ports 2908, and control ports 2910 described morefully herein.

The PCH apparatus 2700 also includes a container support assembly 3000including a platform assembly base 3002 having legs 3004, a firstcontainer support member 3006 having a first container outlet apertureportion 3008 and a second container support member 3010 having a secondcontainer outlet aperture portion 3012, wherein the first and secondconduit portions 3008 and 3012 combine to form an assembly outletaperture 3014. The container support assembly 3000 also includes swivelmembers 3016 that allow the first and second container support members3006 and 3010 to swivel outward to facilitate container replacement.

The PCH apparatus 2700 also includes six containers 3100, each of thecontainers 3100 includes an outlet 3102 and an outlet conduit 3104 (notshown), but shown and described more completely herein.

The PCH apparatuses operate in that the processing unit is configured toperiodically open the control valves of the chemical testing andintroduction assembly so that pool water flow into the test loop for atime sufficient for the test loop to be flushed of old pool water. Oncethe test loop has been flushed of old pool water, the processing unit isconfigured to close the control valves of the of the chemical testingand introduction assembly so that the new pool water in trapped in thetest loop. Once the control valves have been closed and a sufficienttime has elapsed so that the water in the test loop is still, theprocessing unit is further configured to activate the sensors andreceive data from the sensors. The processing unit is further configuredto compare the sensor data to pool chemical values stored in theprocessing units memory. The series of task is sometimes referred to asa test cycle. If each of the pool chemical values are within acceptableranges for each of the pool chemical values, then the processing unit isconfigured to performs no further action until the next test cycle. Ifone or more of the pool chemical values fall outside of their acceptableranges, then the processing unit is further configured to activate thepumps associated with the chemicals need to adjust the pool water andintroduce an amount of the needed chemicals at a desired rate into therecirculating pool water. The test cycles and chemical introduction isperformed on a continued basis based on the periodicity of the test,which may be set by the user. Generally, the test loop purge time isbetween about 30 seconds and about 5 minutes, the settle time is betweenabout 30 seconds and about 5 minutes, and the test cycle time is betweenabout 30 minutes and 7 days. In other embodiments, the test loop purgetime is between about 1 minute and about 5 minutes, the settle time isbetween about 30 seconds and about 2.5 minutes, and the test cycle timeis between about 4 hours and 7 days. In other embodiments, the test looppurge time is between about 1 minute and about 2.5 minutes, the settletime is between about 30 seconds and about 1 minutes, and the test cycletime is between about 8 hours and 7 days. In other embodiments, the testloop purge time is between about 1 minute and about 2 minutes, thesettle time is between about 30 seconds and about 1 minutes, and thetest cycle time is between about 1 day and 7 days. While specific rangesare set forth, the ranges include the endpoint values and all subranges.Thus the range between 30 seconds and 5 minutes includes all rangesbetween 30 seconds and 5 minutes and the same is true for all otherranges.

Embodiments of the Chemical Testing and Introduction Assembly

Looking at FIG. 28A, an embodiment of the chemical testing andintroduction assembly 2800 is shown to include the water conduit 2802,the chemical ports 2804, the test loop conduit 2806, the control valves2808 a&b and chemical sensors 2810.

The water conduit 2802 includes a first T joint or fitting 2812 havingthe water inlet 2726, a test loop outlet 2814, and a first water conduitsection outlet 2816. The water conduit 2802 also includes a first waterconduit section 2802 a having a first water conduit section inlet 2818and a first water conduit section outlet 2820. The water conduit 2802also includes a second T joint or fitting 2822 having a first waterconduit section inlet 2824, a test loop inlet 2826, and a second waterconduit section outlet 2828. The water conduit 2802 also includes asecond water conduit section 2802 b having a second water conduitsection inlet 2830, a first elbow 2832, a second elbow 2834, thechemical introduction ports 2804, a water outlet fitting 2836, and thewater outlet 2728.

The test loop conduit 2806 including a test loop conduit inlet 2838, thetest loop conduit inlet control valve 2808 a, a first elbow joint orfitting 2840, six sensors ports 2842, a second elbow joint or fitting2844, the test loop outlet control valve 2808 b and a test loop outlet2846. The test loop conduit 2806 also includes six sensor ports 2848,and six chemical sensor 2810 including control connectors 2850.

The assembly 2800 also includes six pumps 2852 having inlets 2854,outlets 2856, inlet connectors 2858 and outlet connectors 2860. Theassembly 2800 also includes power cables 2862 and control unitcommunication cables 2864.

Looking at FIGS. 28B&C, another embodiment of the chemical testing andintroduction assembly 2800 is shown to include the first T joint orfitting 2812 having the water inlet 2726, a test loop conduit outlet2814, and a first conduit section outlet 2816. The first conduit section2802 a having the first conduit section inlet 2818 and the first conduitsection outlet 2820. The second T joint or fitting 2822 having the firstconduit section inlet 2824, the test loop conduit inlet 2826, and thesecond conduit section outlet 2828. The second conduit section 2802 bincludes the inlet 2830, the first elbow 2832, the second elbow 2834,the chemical introduction ports 2804, and the water outlet 2728. Theassembly 2800 also includes the test loop conduit 2806 including a testloop conduit inlet 2838, the test loop inlet control valve 2808 a, thefirst elbow joint or fitting 2840, five sensors ports 2842, the secondelbow joint or fitting 2844, the test loop outlet control valve 2808 b,the test loop outlet 2846, five chemical sensor ports 2848, and fivechemical sensors 2810. The conduit section 2802 b also includes thechemical input ports 2804.

Embodiments of the Control Unit

Looking at FIGS. 29A&B, two embodiments of the control unit 2900 isshown to include the power cable inlet 2902, the power cable 2904, thepower supply ports 2908, and the control ports 2910.

The control unit 2900 further includes a power supply 2912. The powersupply 2912 includes a positive power supply conductor 2914 having apositive power supply connector 2916 and a negative power supplyconductor 2918 having a negative power supply connector 2920. The powersupply 2912 also includes a processing unit outlet connector 2926 and aprocessing unit power cable 2928.

The control unit 2900 also includes a processing unit 2930 including apower inlet connector 2932.

Looking at FIG. 29B, the power supply ports 2908 and the control ports2910 are shown in a different configuration. Of course, it should berecognized that the power supply ports 2908 and the control ports 2910may be arranged in any configuration and may be distributed on the sidesor bottom and top depending on space and cabling requirements.

Looking at FIG. 29C, another embodiment of the control unit 2950 isshown to include the power cable inlet 2952 and the power cable 2954.

The control unit 2950 also includes a power supply 2956. The powersupply 2956 includes a positive power supply conductor 2958 having apositive power supply connector 2960 and a negative power supplyconductor 2962 having a negative power supply connector 2964. The powersupply 2956 also includes a processing unit outlet connector 2966 and aprocessing unit power cable 2968. The power supply 2956 also includespump power supply outlet connectors 2970, pump power supply cables 2972,and pump power supply inlet connectors 2974. The power supply 2956 alsoincludes sensor outlet connectors 2976.

The control unit 2950 also includes a processing unit 2982 including apower inlet connector 2984. The processing unit 2982 also includes pumpcontrol outlet connectors 2986, and pump control cables 2988, and pumpcontrol inlet connectors 2990. The processing unit 2982 also includessensor control outlet connectors 2996.

The control unit 2950 also includes the pumps 2852 including the inlet2860, the inlet connector 2862, the outlet 2864, and the outletconnector 2866. The pump power supply inlet connectors 2974 and the pumpcontrol inlet connectors 2990 are integrated into the pumps 2858.

Looking at FIG. 29D, another embodiment of the control unit 2950 isshown to include the power cable inlet 2952 and the power cable 2954.

The control unit 2950 also includes a power supply 2956. The powersupply 2956 includes a positive power supply conductor 2958 having apositive power supply connector 2960 and a negative power supplyconductor 2962 having a negative power supply connector 2964. The powersupply 2956 also includes a processing unit outlet connector 2966 and aprocessing unit power cable 2968. The power supply 2956 also includespump power supply outlet connectors 2970, pump power supply cables 2972,and pump power supply inlet connectors 2974. The power supply 2956 alsoincludes sensor power supply outlet connectors 2976, sensor power supplycables 2978, and sensor power supply inlets connectors 2980.

The control unit 2950 also includes a processing unit 2982 including apower inlet connector 2984. The processing unit 2982 also includes pumpcontrol outlet connectors 2986, pump control cables 2988, and pumpcontrol inlet connectors 2990. The processing unit 2982 also includessensor control unit outlet connectors 2992, sensor control unit cable2994, and sensor control unit inlet connectors 2996.

The control unit 2950 also includes the pumps 2858 including the inlet2860, the inlet connector 2862, the outlet 2864, and the outletconnector 2866. The pump power supply inlet connectors 2974 and the pumpcontrol inlet connectors 2990 are integrated into the pumps 2858. Thecontrol unit 2950 also includes sensor outlet connectors 2998 that areintegrated with the sensor power supply inlets connectors 2980 and thesensor control unit inlet connectors 2996, wherein the connectors 2998are adapted to connect to a sensor cable that provides both power fromthe power supply 2956 and control communication with the processing unit2982. It should be recognized that the control cable provide two waycommunication pathways between the pumps and the processing unit andbetween the sensors and the processing unit for controlling the amountand rate of fluid introduction into recirculating pool water.

Embodiments of the Container Support Assembly

Looking at FIG. 30A, the container support assembly 3000 is shown toinclude the platform assembly base 3002 having legs 3004, the firstcontainer support member 3006 having the first container outlet apertureportion 3008 and the second container support member 3010 having thesecond container outlet aperture portion 3012, wherein the first andsecond conduit portions 3008 and 3012 combine to form the assemblyoutlet aperture 3014. The container support assembly 3000 also includesthe swivel members 3016 that allow the first and second containersupport members 3006 and 3010 to swivel outward to facilitate containerreplacement.

Looking at FIG. 30B, the container support assembly 3000 is shown toinclude the platform assembly base 3002 having legs 3004, the firstcontainer support member 3006 having the first container outlet apertureportion 3008 and the second container support member 3010 having thesecond container outlet aperture portion 3012, wherein the first andsecond conduit portions 3008 and 3012 combine to form the assemblyoutlet aperture 3014. The container support assembly 3000 also includesthe swivel members 3016 that allow the first and second containersupport members 3006 and 3010 to swivel outward to facilitate containerreplacement. This embodiment includes the containers of FIG. 31Cdescribed below.

Looking at FIG. 30C, the container support assembly 3000 of FIG. 30D isshown in its collapsed state.

Looking at FIG. 30D, the container support assembly 3000 of FIG. 30Dshown in its expanded state.

Embodiments of the Containers

Looking at FIG. 31A, a first embodiment of a container 3100 is shown toinclude a top 3102, a bottom 3104, a side wall 3106, an inlet 3108, andan inlet cap 3110. The container 3100 also includes an outlet 3112, anoutlet connector 3114, and a container conduit 3116 having a containerconduit proximal end connector 3118 and a container conduit distal endconnector 3120. The distal end connector 3120 is adapted to engage oneof the pump inlets 2854.

Looking at FIG. 31B, a second embodiment of a container 3130 is shown toinclude a top 3132, a bottom 3134, a side wall 3136, an inlet 3138, andan inlet cap 3140. The container 3130 also includes an outlet 3142, anoutlet connector 3144, a base 3146, a base aperture 3148, a containerconduit 3150 having a container conduit proximal end connector 3152 anda container conduit distal end connector 3154. The distal end connector3154 is adapted to engage one of the pump inlets 2854.

Looking at FIG. 31C, a third embodiment of a container 3160 is shown toinclude a top 3162, a bottom 3164, a side wall 3166, an inlet 3168, andan inlet cap 3170 having a conduit aperture 3172. The container 3160also includes a container conduit 3174 having a proximal end 3176 and adistal end connector 3178. The container 3160 is shown partially filledwith a fluid 3180 having a fluid level 3182. The proximal end 3176 ofthe container conduit 3174 is designed to be inserted through orintegral with the cap 3170 and disposed within the fluid 3180 near thebottom 3164 of the container 3160, wherein the term near means withabout 1 inch of the bottom 3164 or within about 0.75 inches of thebottom 3164 or within about 0.5 of the bottom 3164 or within about 0.25of the bottom 3164 or within about 0.1 of the bottom 3164 or where in atip 3177 is in contact with the bottom 3164. The container 3160 alsoincludes a fluid level sensor 3184 including a sensor float 3186, asensor arm 3188, a power inlet connector 3190, a power supply cable3192, a control inlet connector 3194, and a control cable 3196. Thecontainer 3160 also includes a handle 3198. The distal end connectors3178 is adapted to engage one of the pump inlets 2854. It should berecognized that the fluid level sensor may be any type of fluid levelsensor including an optical sensor, a sonic sensor, or any other type ofsensor that can detect a fluid level in a container. It should also berecognized that the conduits herein may be rigid tubing or flexibletubing depending on design criteria.

CLOSING

All references cited herein are incorporated by reference. Although thedisclosure has been disclosed with reference to its preferredembodiments, from reading this description those of skill in the art mayappreciate changes and modification that may be made which do not departfrom the scope and spirit of the disclosure as described above andclaimed hereafter.

We claim:
 1. A pool chemical hub (PCH) apparatus comprising: a base, acover detachably connected to the base, a chemical testing andintroduction assembly including: a water inlet, a water outlet, a waterconduit having: a plurality of chemical input ports, a test loop conduithaving: two control valves, and a plurality of chemical sensor portsdisposed between the two control valves, a plurality of pool chemicalcontainers, each of the plurality of pool chemical containers includingan inlet, an outlet, a conduit, and a pool chemical, a container supportassembly including: a platform assembly base having a plurality of legs,a first container support member having a first container outletaperture portion adapted to support a first half of the plurality ofpool chemical containers, and a second container support member having asecond container outlet aperture portion adapted to support a secondhalf of the plurality of pool chemical containers, and swivel membersadapted to allow the first and second container support members toswivel outward to facilitate container replacement, wherein the firstand second container outlet aperture portions combine to form anassembly outlet aperture; a plurality of chemical introduction pumps, aplurality of chemical sensors, and a control unit including: aprocessing unit comprising a plurality of control ports and controlcables adapted to send and receive data from the two control valves, theplurality of chemical sensors, the plurality of chemical introductionpumps, one or more output devices, and one or more input devices, and apower supply having a plurality of power supply ports and power supplycables adapted to supply power to the processing unit, the two controlvalves, the plurality of chemical sensors, and the plurality of chemicalintroduction pumps, wherein the processing unit is configured to, on aperiodic time: open the two control valves of the chemical testing andintroduction assembly for a purge time to flush old pool water from thetest loop conduit and to fill the test loop conduit with new pool waterfrom pool water from a pool, close the two control valves, after asettle time, activate the plurality of chemical sensors and receivesensor data from the plurality of chemical sensors regarding poolchemical values, compare the sensor data to stored pool chemical valuesstored in a memory of the processing unit, and if one or more of thepool chemical values fall outside of the stored pool chemical values,then: (a) activate one or more of the plurality of chemical introductionpumps associated with the pool chemicals that need to be adjusted in thepool water, and (b) introduce an amount of the needed pool chemicals ata desired rate into the pool water to adjust the pool chemical values.2. The PCH apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the one or more input devicescomprising a touch screen, a microphone, a remote control device, or anycombination thereof, and the one or more output devices comprising atouch screen, a display device, a speaker, a remote control device, orany combination thereof.
 3. The PCH apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising: a remote control unit in communication with the processingunit, wherein the remote control unit is adapted to remotely control theprocessing unit.
 4. The PCH apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover isdetactably connected to the base via cover connectors comprising latchtype connectors, spring connectors, wingnut connectors, snap connectors,or any other type of detachable connector.
 5. The PCH apparatus of claim1, wherein the cover is detactably connected to the base via basegrooves and cover tongues.
 6. The PCH apparatus of claim 1, wherein: theperiodic time is between about 30 minutes and 7 days including endpointvalues and all subranges, the purge time is between about 30 seconds andabout 5 minutes including endpoint values and all subranges, and thesettle time is between about 30 seconds and about 5 minutes includingendpoint values and all subranges.
 7. The PCH apparatus of claim 1,wherein: each of the plurality of pool chemical containers furtherincludes: a fluid level sensor adapted to monitor fluid level in each ofthe plurality of pool chemical containers.
 8. A pool chemical hub (PCH)apparatus comprising: a chemical testing and introduction assemblycomprising: a water inlet; a water outlet; a water conduit including: aplurality of chemical input ports; a test loop conduit including: awater inlet end having: an inlet control valve; a water outlet endhaving: an outlet control valve; and a plurality of chemical sensorports disposed between the inlet and outlet control valves; a pluralityof pool chemical containers, each of the plurality of pool chemicalcontainers including an inlet, an outlet, a conduit, and a poolchemical; a plurality of chemical introduction pumps connected to theplurality of chemical input ports; a plurality of chemical sensorsconnected to the plurality of chemical sensor ports; and a control unitincluding: one or more output devices; one or more input devices; aprocessing unit in bidirectional communication with the inlet and outletcontrol valves, the plurality of chemical sensors, the plurality ofchemical introduction pumps, the one or more output devices, and the oneor more input devices; and a power supply configured to supply power tothe processing unit, the inlet and outlet control valves, the pluralityof chemical sensors, the plurality of chemical introduction pumps, theone or more output devices, and the one or more input devices, whereinthe processing unit is configured to, on a periodic time: open the inletcontrol valve and the outlet control valve of the chemical testing andintroduction assembly for a purge time to flush old pool water from thetest loop conduit and to fill the test loop conduit with new pool water,close the inlet control valve and the outlet control valve, after asettle time, activate the plurality of chemical sensors, receive sensordata from the plurality of chemical sensors regarding pool chemicalvalues, compare the sensor data to stored pool chemical values stored ina memory of the processing unit, and if one or more of the pool chemicalvalues fall outside of the stored pool chemical values, then: (a)activate one or more of the plurality of chemical introduction pumpsassociated with the pool chemicals that need to be adjusted in the poolwater, and (b) introduce an amount of the needed pool chemicals at adesired rate into the pool water to adjust the pool chemical values. 9.The PCH apparatus of claim 8, wherein: the one or more input devicescomprising a touch screen, a microphone, a remote control device, or anycombination thereof, and the one or more output devices comprising atouch screen, a display device, a speaker, a remote control device, orany combination thereof.
 10. The PCH apparatus of claim 8, furthercomprising: a remote control unit in communication with the processingunit, wherein the remote control unit is adapt to remotely control theprocessing unit.
 11. The PCH apparatus of claim 8, wherein the chemicaltesting and introduction assembly further comprising a cover detachablyconnected to a base via cover connectors comprising latch typeconnectors, spring connectors, wingnut connectors, snap connectors, orany other type of detachable connector or via base grooves and covertongues.
 12. The PCH apparatus of claim 8, further comprising: acontainer support assembly including: a platform assembly base having aplurality of legs, a first container support member having a firstcontainer outlet aperture portion adapted to support a first half of theplurality of pool chemical containers, and a second container supportmember having a second container outlet aperture portion adapted tosupport a second half of the plurality of pool chemical containers, andswivel members adapted to allow the first and second container supportmembers to swivel outward to facilitate container replacement, whereinthe first and second container outlet aperture portions combine to forman assembly outlet aperture.
 13. The PCH apparatus of claim 8, wherein:the periodic time is between about 30 minutes and 7 days includingendpoint values and all subranges, the purge time is between about 30seconds and about 5 minutes including endpoint values and all subranges,and the settle time is between about 30 seconds and about 5 minutesincluding endpoint values and all subranges.
 14. The PCH apparatus ofclaim 8, wherein: each of the plurality of pool chemical containersfurther includes: a fluid level sensor adapted to monitor fluid level ineach of the plurality of pool chemical containers.
 15. A pool chemicalcontrol apparatus comprising: a pool comprising: a circulating pumpincluding: a pump inlet; a pump outlet; and a pump conduit; a filterunit including: a filter inlet; a filter outlet; and a filter conduit; adrain including: a drain conduit; a pool skimmer including: a skimmerconduit; and a pool return conduit; a pool chemical hub (PCH) apparatuscomprising: a slab; a base affixed to the slab; a cover detachablyconnected to the base; a PCH inlet; a PCH outlet; a PCH return conduitincluding: a plurality of pool returns; a chemical testing andintroduction assembly including: a water inlet; a water outlet; a waterconduit having: a plurality of chemical input ports; a test loop conduithaving: an inlet control valve; an outlet control valve; and a pluralityof chemical sensor ports disposed between the inlet and outlet controlvalves; a plurality of pool chemical containers, each of the pluralityof pool chemical containers including an inlet, an outlet, a conduit, afluid level sensor, and a pool chemical; a plurality of chemical sensorsconnected to the plurality of chemical sensor ports; and a plurality ofchemical introduction pumps connected to the plurality of chemical inputports and to the plurality of pool chemical container conduits; acontrol unit including: one or more output devices; one or more inputdevices; a processing unit in bidirectional communication with the inletand outlet control valves, the plurality of chemical sensors, theplurality of chemical introduction pumps, the fluid level sensors, theone or more output devices, and the one or more input devices; and apower supply configured to supply power to the processing unit, theinlet and outlet control valves, the plurality of chemical sensors, theplurality of chemical introduction pumps, and the fluid level sensors,wherein: the pool return conduit is connected to the drain conduit, theskimmer conduit, and the circulating pump inlet, the circulating pumpoutlet is connected to the filter conduit, the filter outlet isconnected to the PCH inlet, the plurality of pool returns are connectedto the PCH return conduit, the circulating pump circulates pool waterfrom the pool through the pool skimmer, through the filter unit, throughthe PCH apparatus, through the PCH return conduit, and through theplurality of pool returns into the pool, and wherein the processing unitis configured to, on a periodic time: open the inlet control valve andthe outlet control valve of the chemical testing and introductionassembly for a purge time to purge old pool water from the test loopconduit and to fill the test loop conduit with new pool water, close theinlet control valve and the outlet control valve, after a settle time,activate the plurality of chemical sensors, receive sensor data from theplurality of chemical sensors regarding pool chemical values, comparethe sensor data to stored pool chemical values stored in a memory of theprocessing unit, and if one or more of the pool chemical values falloutside of the stored pool chemical values, then: (a) activate one ormore of the plurality of chemical introduction pumps associated with thepool chemicals that need to be adjusted in the pool water, and (b)introduce an amount of the needed pool chemicals at a desired rate intothe pool water to adjust the pool chemical values.
 16. The pool chemicalcontrol apparatus of claim 15, wherein: the one or more input devicescomprising a touch screen, a microphone, a remote control device, or anycombination thereof, and the one or more output devices comprising atouch screen, a display device, a speaker, a remote control device, orany combination thereof.
 17. The pool chemical control apparatus ofclaim 15, further comprising: a remote control unit in communicationwith the processing unit, wherein the remote control unit is adapt toremotely control the processing unit.
 18. The pool chemical controlapparatus of claim 15, wherein the cover is detactably connected to thebase via cover connectors comprising latch type connectors, springconnectors, wingnut connectors, snap connectors, or any other type ofdetachable connector or via base grooves and cover tongues.
 19. The poolchemical control apparatus of claim 15, further comprising: a containersupport assembly including: a platform assembly base having a pluralityof legs, a first container support member having a first containeroutlet aperture portion adapted to support a first half of the pluralityof pool chemical containers, and a second container support memberhaving a second container outlet aperture portion adapted to support asecond half of the plurality of pool chemical containers, and swivelmembers adapted to allow the first and second container support membersto swivel outward to facilitate container replacement, wherein the firstand second container outlet aperture portions combine to form anassembly outlet aperture.
 20. The pool chemical control apparatus ofclaim 15, wherein: the periodic time is between about 30 minutes and 7days including endpoint values and all subranges, the purge time isbetween about 30 seconds and about 5 minutes including endpoint valuesand all subranges, and the settle time is between about 30 seconds andabout 5 minutes including endpoint values and all subranges.